28/05/09 perthpete
After our 3rd competition (as masters) last Sunday, I am wondering why there are so (relatively) few masters competing (talking about WA). I mean when looking at the number of masters-age people dancing (and living it), I do not really understand why there are so few of them in comps. Is this a matter of not enough promotion by the dancing schools/societies/dancesport organisation or has that been tried before and never resulted in anything? Any thoughts, ideas, comments welcome please!

01/05/09 perthpete
Hi Web Viewer, thanks. That was my first attempt to find out ;-). It did not give any usefull stuff. I have found by now that there seems to be exactly 1 (one!) dancingschool in Darwin with a proper dancing floor etc (Baysidedance it is called). Of course anyone knowing of more, please improve my knowledge ;-) ;-)

30/04/09 Crown
"CROWN" 2009. A big thankyou to all who made this a fantastic event.Huge entries and huge support making it for sure the biggest one day dance event in Australia. And of course we thank the sponsors - Harvey World Travel who donated travel - Mc Donald's who gave vouchers to the kids being presented - and Goldwell for hair care products for all the winners.
Crown is the most prestigeous most sort after and most expensive venue to organise any event in Australia. The best we have in this Country because it has everything at the one location. ENJOY. We welcome all suggestions for improvement.Please keep them coming. However we cannot agree with the unnamed comments about juvenile presentations in a back room. That "back room" hosts some of Australia's most expensive weddings so hardly a back room.
All presentations except events finalised in the evening have presentations in this sepatate room and these presentations run from 1.00pm to 7.30pm. Just not possible in a one day show to present all these events in the room where the events are running continuously-217 dancesport events not includuing many of the heats. And in the theatrical ballroom there were approximately 85 events not including heats. We also try to make sure that Juvenile's and Junior's are finished early as it is a Sunday event. I might add all those finished before the evening only pay a day rate.
Those who travel know that what we do in regard to presentations is done elsewhere overseas at much larger events.Its a necessity. And last year I attended a very prestigeous International event overseas where results and presentations were made on stage during the day and evening while competitions were still being conducted in the same Ballroom.
However I am heartened by people who travelled from overseas who had a great experience at Crown with us and have promised to return next year. Once again thankyou for your support See you again next year Sunday 18th April 2010. Don Mc Robert

29/04/09 Bobcat
I've a comment to make about The Crown Championships presentations to Juvenile, Junior and Youth (not Youth Open) I think it's miserabale & unjust that these young people who train hard, dance their hearts out and their parents pay big are shunted off to a back room and rushed through to receive awards, rather than being publicly rewarded & acknowleged in the main ballroom. This doesn't happen anywhere else no matter how big the comp.

29/04/09 Web Viewer
Perthpete -  Google Darwin dancing and see what comes up

27/04/09 Perthpete
Does anyone know if there are any dancing opportunities in Darwin (NT)? I have not been able to find anything around competitions (no NT presence here on the DSA site) but am also looking for social dancing opportunities there. We have found Furlanos dancing school but their website seems to be unavailable . Any thoughts or comments are welcome ;-). Thanks, Peter

27/04/09 Pandora
Thanks for the advice Webby, but that page needs updating as it's still advertising the upcoming 2008 champs!! Alas no results either. I did hear that you can only get the results from the Dance Review magazine which seems strange to me as not everyone subscribes.........aha the plot thickens.

26/04/09 Webmaster
To Pandora - today. Unfortunately, I do not get results of any National events, but you can try the organiser's webpage at www.australiandancingsociety.com.au.

26/04/09 Pandora
Would the webmaster be kind enough to post the results of The Australian Champs for 2008? I have searched other sites and cannot find any results. It's as though they are a secret!! Not everyone is fortunate enough to be able to attend due to distance and/or cost and would appreciate being kept up to date. Not too much to ask................

21/04/09 Steven
History - once upon a time competition dancing had very few rules and the word restriction meant to stop or impede. 20 plus years since the introduction of restrictions (what every they may be) we have less people registered as competitors. The true test of any idea is the market. I propose we review the situation. At this point in time DSA has nobody as CEO who wishes to carry the organization into the future.

21/04/09 David H
By way of example on the issue of recognition to competitors. People should have a close look at the organisation of the Queensland Open Championship event last weekend. On the day we were there, not only was every finalist in the Open events (yes including Masters 2) announced onto the floor and introduced from the stage at the start of their event, each couple were also announced onto the floor from the stage to receive their awards in order of merit after the final results were determined. This was coupled with a photo shoot of the winning couple and with a group photo of the finalists as well. How good is that, from our personal experience attending the Championship this year - congratulations to DanceSport Queensland for the very professional way in which they given recognition to the competitors, and the way in which competitors were considered in the overall organisation of this event.

21/04/09 Yvonne
I found it very exciting to see that the forum has been activated. I have been an avid dancer for 3 years on the social scene and have only this year registered to compete. We have just recently done our first competition and enjoyed the experience, some of the results were interesting but that is another issue. From reading everyones postings, I can see that the dance community comes across quite fractured or perhaps I am reading this incorrectly. I love dancing and believe regardless of what level you are, it should be embraced and supported. I have put myself forward to support the local committee to help to grow dancing in my home state. We all love dancing lets all work together to make it as big as possible.

21/03/09 Julz
I have to disagree with Master (nameless) who thinks comps would fall over without the masters. Yes they are an important part of the competition but you are discriminating yourself by making that comment. I feel all levels and ages contribute to the competition scene and we all deserve recognition. I'm not sure why they did not introduce the Masters 2 event/s and think it's great you're all voicing that but if you do not put a name to your voice then nothing will eventuate.
I danced the level 4 latin final thursday night and we were the second last event of the night. Do we not deserve to be introduced as well? I guess they have to draw the line somewhere but if you introduce masters 1 then you should for masters 2 as well. Perhaps any event in the evening program that is a final should be introduced so as to keep the audience engaged as well? Just thoughts anyway.

14/02/09 Victorian Bushfire Fundraiser Dance
When: Sunday 15th February Where: MarShere Dance Studio Ferntree Gully (Victoria) Time: 7pm till 11pm Cost: Voluntary Donation At Door (Any amount helps) BYO: Drinks and Nibbles Tables, Chairs and Glasses provided. All proceeds to be donated to the Red Cross Bushfire Appeal. All friends, family and dancers welcome. Any donations will help those less fortunate than ourselves at this horrific time in their lives. For more information, please contact the studio on (03) 9752 3711. Or you can donate directly to www.redcross.org.au

8/02/09 Master
To Jason, names have been put to the respective reps and enquiries are being made as to why certain decisions were made. They have just not been made public in this forum. I think if the organisers of this event don’t wont to showcase the masters 2 open finals on Thursday night, then that’s fine, run them during the day, that way us old buggers can go to bed early.lol.... but seriously the Masters 2 Open Events, are that, open to all levels, 3 and up. Masters 2 is an age category, as is Adult, Junior, Youth and Masters 1. Masters 2 Open events are open events and are run the same as all the other open events. So why are they treated differently ONLY at this event. I am sure someone made the decision and that they must have had good reason. I would just like to know what that reason was. And that’s all I got to say.

7/02/09 Steven
Everyone should receive the same standard of respect and if you have won an open category you are considered the Australian Champion in that age group. Presenting finalist to the floor is about the show and selling tickets. If presenting masters 2 open competitors to the floor sold more tickets on that particular evening the ADS would very quickly do it. Lets work to sell more tickets to achieve a positive result for everyone.

7/02/09 Jason
John, I agree totaly with what you are saying, I think the Masters 2 should be introduced. whether it be from the stage or not, and no it won't take up any more time. I also think that while there are graded events at the Australian Dancesport Championship, i believe that if you win your grade at the Australian Championship you are the Australian Champion in that grade.
My origional main concern was that we have Masters 2 competitors who seem to have a lot to say, do not put their name to it, (with the exception of yourself). If they felt so strongly about their words and the way they feel, ie: losing their dignity and self respect etc, they would not hide behind a pen name. I am not trying to cause trouble and understand what is being said and agree with most of it. But at the end of the day, they really have to take it up with the organisor's of that respective event or see their competitors representative on their state DanceSport comitee.
I myself have a couple I teach with these same concerns plus more, and have told them to take it up with Dancesport who should be there as a representative for the competitors. I think in Melbourne this year, I will do a survey on the ratio of Masters 2 competitors in relation to all other age groups at every competition I attend. One of the comments from a previous writer said that most competitions would not run if it wasn't for the Masters 2 competitors or something like that. It will be interesting to see how true this fact is in Melbourne anyway.

6/02/09 Steven
Stand behind your words &/or do something. The best way to change an injustice is to put yourself in a position to encourage others to join your movement. The organizers of the ADS Australian Championships are a society that welcomes members. If you speak up make it effective.

6/02/09 John
To Jason: I don't understand why are you bringing into the debate the graded events. There can only be one Australian Champion in each age category and this is why we have the open events so that any couple (exemption Level 1 and 2) can become Australian Champion. As for the Roll of Honor would it be so difficult to add one or two more pages to the very expensive program and list the Juvenile,Junior,Youth, Masters1 and Masters 2 too? It has been done in some other major championship programs so it is possible. As for introducing Open finalists, it does not has to be down the stairs but it would be a common courtesy to introduce the couples by names.
Again when it can be done in Canberra and South Pacific Champ. to name a few why it is so difficult by ADS in Melbourne. And please don't tell me the usual "there is no time" story. How many additional Open finals were there on Thursday apart from those already introduced? Another 3 max.6? If only events selecting representative couples were introduced then why Masters 1 New Vogue was? The conclusion to the matter is that we Masters 2 want to be treated the same as other age divisions, e.g.Juniors, Youth, Masters 1 etc.

5/02/09 Interested reader
There appears to be a simple solution to all of this. Treat every "Open" event the same regardless of age group, and recognise the winners as Australian Champions for their respective age group, in other words, the same as the Adults and Professionals. The grade events are simply a stepping stone to the next Level of competition, there should not be an Australian Champion title for a graded event. If you want to credit graded events the same as the others...then bring back the Level 5 competiton grade.

1/02/09 Jason Beaman
I have been reading the forum lately and have been very disheartened by what some of the Masters II competitors have written. Whilst they have some valid points to make, I would like to make some comments on what some of the nameless Masters II competitors have written. Firstly, to (Concerned Masters II Competitor). The Masters II Open Standard is not an International selection event, the World event is open to all Masters II competitors. You made comment on how the Masters II competitors did not get introduced down the stairs or introduced at all, what about the other finalists on the night ie: Adult Level 3 & 4 finalists, Youth Level 3 & $ finalists? What about the Wednesday events? All the level 1 & 2 couples, don't you think they should be introduced down the stairs also?
The Honour rolls got a mention also, yes there is no Masters II or Master 1 honour roll, but also no Junior, Juvenile and Youth too, what about having a honour roll for all the grades also? You also mentioned that "Dignity, Self Respect and Equal Opportunity for older Australians was simply not to be found", I think the Industry have a lot of respect for the older Australian dancing fraternity, however, what are your thoughts on the Adult and Youth graded competitors? don't you feel they need the same respect? Mentioned also was the fact that Masters II competitors go to the same Tailors, dressmakers, coaches and competitions as Adult and Masters 1 Open couples, but also the same as every other dancer too
......To Master (04/01/09) You said it was discrimination for Masters II open competitors? I repeat, what about the graded couples? You mentioned that all couples who make the finals are at the top of their game, yes every finalist is at the top of their game in all age groups and levels. I do however find some of the comments valid, but what are valid comments if you can not stand behind them with your name?

1/02/09 Master
Thanks for providing some clarity to that last post John. Indeed they were very wrong in their comments. A win in a Masters 2 Open Event at the Australian Championships, carries the title that goes with it. Masters 2 Australian Champion, similarly with Adult, Junior, Masters 1 etc. Which brings me to my first point raise, All COMPETITORS IN OPEN FINALS WHICH ARE RUN ON THE THURSDAY EVENING FINALS NIGHT SHOULD BE GIVEN THE RECOGNITION THEY DESERVE AND NOT HAVE TO SUFFER THE EMBARRISMENT SUCH AS WHAT HAPPENED THIS YEAR. Just for the record I would suggest that it was blatant discrimination. It would be really good to get someone from ADS to comment on the matter. 31/01/09 John
There is something wrong with the last post. Firstly no one is suggesting that any Level 1 up to Level 4 events carry Australian Champion title.Secondly an event "Masters 2 Open Level 1 event does not exist.But for all open events it would really be silly for the couples to talk " I have won the Australian Open to the World(yes all the age categories are open for international entries) but I am not Australian Champion. There are world championships in all age categories and the winning couples are world champions.Why should not the couple winning Australian Championship in his age category call themselves Australian champions? Naturally only in their age category. Even the Adult Open winners have to clarify that they are amateur adult champions, because they are others e.g. professional champions. And there are even closed Australian champions.

30/01/09 ???
To answer a questions.
1. There is only 3 Australian Championship results available each year. Adult Open - La, Mod, & NV. Non of the other events carry this title. If you win AN EVENT at this championship you have won the Open Masters II, level I New Vogue at the Australian Championship.
2. You the consumer make this event important not the event it self. Be proud of your achievements. The result should be a reflection of time effort and personal discipline not walking down some stairs and a spotlight.

12/01/09 Another concerned Master
Whilst on the topic of treatment of Masters II competitors at the Australians,could someone explain why the open events for the Masters II contained only three dances in the early rounds.I noticed the adult open events still had their five dances.

5/01/09 Concerned Master2 competitor
One Step Forward - Two Steps Back One Step Forward Last year, for the first time since the introduction of the Masters 2 Open Championships in 2002, the organisers of the Australian Championship announced the final 6 couples onto the floor.
It took 5 years to treat our older competitors with the same respect that is given to other Open Championship finalists. It was a significant step forward, but it was only achieved with some pushing. And, with the formal introduction of the Masters 2 couples there were announcements giving the Master 2 Open Standard event International Selection status. This was a major turning point in the status of Masters 2 couples at an Australian Championship. And rightly, there were public acknowledgements following the Championships congratulating the Australian Dancing Society on its achievement. Two Steps Back Sadly in 2008 we saw a significant step backwards. Masters 2 couples were not given the same courtesy and respect as they were the year before. It seems the good will that was given last year has simply passed us by for no good reason. From all reports, the floor marshals told the couples they were directed not to introduce the Masters 2 final couples this year. For their final Championship event the Masters 2 final couples simply walked onto the floor as if it was an early round in the competition. These couples were competing for an Australian Title just like other Championship finalists.
The public were entitled to know who the final six couples were as they presented themselves on the floor for their final Championship round. How undignified, whoever gave the direction not to have the Masters 2 couples introduced this year clearly has little respect for the age and contribution that our older Australians give to DanceSport. The only difference between a Masters 2 competitor and any other competitor in our sport is the age grouping. After all, the men go to the same tailors, the ladies go to the same dress makers, the couples go to the same coaches, and they compete in the same competitions as every other competitor in a younger age group. Overall they make a very significant contribution to the DanceSport industry. Throughout the year the Australian Dancing Society gains a lot of support from Masters 2 competitors at the State level, and there was good support also for this National Championship. It is very unfortunate that when it came to the Australian Championship this year it was back to the bad old days. Dignity, self respect and equal opportunity for older Australians was simply not to be found on this occasion. Honour Rolls The Australian Dancing Society Honour roll is another area where older competitors are being treated differently. There is no Honour Roll or other public record which lists the Masters (formerly Senior) couples who have won an Australian Championship.
In other words, nobody out there really knows who the "Australian Masters Champions" are. It is a pity that promoters for this major event are seemingly reluctant to promote older Australian competitors properly. If the Australian Dancing Society, at its National level, is committed to excellence for all those involved in DanceSport, then just maybe somebody out there in the Australian Dancing Society is willing to redress this important issue.

4/01/09 Master
Once again the organising committee for the Australian Dancesport Championships got it wrong. I refer particularly to the Finals night on Thursday. All of you who watched this great show would have noticed that not all of the Open Finals were introduced from the stage. In particular I refer to the Masters Two Open New Vogue and Open Standard Finals. For the life of me I cannot see why this happened, or why it should happen except to say that it is discrimination at its worse.
These people are at the top of their game, they work very hard throughout the year just like any other dancer only to be denied their moment for what ever reason by the Organising Committee. Not only were these people not introduced from the stage, they were not introduced full stop. It was get on, now get off. It is clear that the efforts that Masters couples put into their dancing, (that is without them most comps would fall over due to lack of numbers) is not recognised. Maybe its time for all Masters to voice their concern to the ADS, and if not heard then maybe
The Australian Masters Dancesport Championships 2009, in WA maybe, now there is an idea. (For get the other one). PS: If there are some genuine reasons for this embarrassment to be levelled at the Masters Two Open Finalist then I would be happy to retract my statements. Please let me know.

4/01/09 Tango
where are all the questions and grieviencesabout dancesport? where are all the dancers comments ? or is everything perfect in your state?What good is this forum if no one is interested enough to use it . get off your feet and create someinterest! Suggestion; long,(how long)? serving committee members, adjudicators,scrutineers,and maybe competitors, or others? should be granted life membership. or has'ent their contribution been worthwhile?

1/12/08 AIS Coach
Can someone tell me WHY international couples (amature and pros) are being paid to attend the Australian Championships???
Can anyone also tell me if we are the only country in the world that supports Foreign couples before our own???
Why does it make sense to DSA or ADS to line the pockets of other nations at the expense of our own nations commitment to overseas competitions?

17/08/08 Spook
Does anyone know how to get a user name and password for online registration?

06/08/08  Wanted
Urgently wanted Enthusiastic & professionally minded Male & Female dancers to teach private & group classes on a casual basis in Melbourne Outer Eastern Studio. Dance styles required Ballroom, Latin American, New Vogue and Street Latin.
Opportunities for growth in abundance. Training avail. Email Cathy at sassidance@bigpond.com to find out more. Have a Great Day.

04/04/08  Disappointed
Hi Random, better late than never! At last I found a site with the 2007 Aussie's results albeit limited to Professional and Opens. You were right, it was one of the ISDF sites. If any one knows where I can view ALL of the results, please let me know. Thanks

13/3/08  Disappointed
Filcha, you made me laugh! You are exactly right, I DO need a teenager to help me but don't have any in this household (long gone). Thanks for all your help, I'll keep muddling on.... By the time I get it figured out, the next Aussies will be upon us, Ha!

8/3/08  Random
Disappointed, if you are interested in the adult open events, try the IDSF wesbite considering both ballroom and latin were idsf events. :P

8/3/08  Filcha
Disappointed: 1. Copy the link I gave you last time. 2. Paste in the address bar of your browser. 3. Hit the green 'Go' arrow. 4.Scroll down until you see results you want (posts 4 & 5 I believe). Alternatively, get a teen or pre-teen to help you!

28/2/08  Disappointed
Thanks for sticking with me Filcha.... but I give up! I followed your instructions carefully but can see absolutley no links to dancing, let alone results. Cheers anyway. Time to move on...........

27/2/08  Filcha
Disappointed: One of my messages seems to have got lost. I said that the message forum is free to join but you can browse without joining. It is for sharing info and discussion. This link my take you to the thread you want: http://dancetalkau.10.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=86

27/2/08  Disappointed
Thanks Filcha. I am particularly interested in the results of the Adult Open events. Surely there is a dancing web site where one can view the results without too much trouble!!! Why are they limited to the Dance Review? Seems strange.......

26/2/08  Filcha
Disappointed: I have the ADRs with the results. If the event(s) you are interested are not posted yet, let me know and I will add them. I will check for a message in the Forum! Cheers

24/2/08  Disappointed
Thanks for the info Filcha but unfortunately that web site proved to be fruitless as it seems I am required to be a member. I could not see any links to the Aussie results so am none the wiser. Thanks anyway.

21/2/08  Filcha
To Disappointed: Many (but not all) of the results from the Aussies 2007 have been posted at dancetalkau.forumer.com.

12/2/08  Salsa
Wanted urgently... A male dancer to teach Personal Lessons & Classes on a casual basis in a leading studio on the Gold Coast. Dance style requirements are--Standard/ International Latin/ Street latin, although training would be supplied. Opportunities for growth to full time position for the right person. To find out more E-mail gccdance@bigpond.com

12/2/08  Karen
Point taken Annie. However, despite your views on 'seriousness', you will find I'm right about dance studios not giving away male dancers to just anyone. In fairness, they have probably trained these male dancers for years and feel some sort of oibligation to partner them up with the best candidate, preferably from their own studio.
You will find loyal pupils will take the advise of their long time teachers as to who is the best partner to try out with. If you think YOU are the right candidate then you will need to prove that to them by attending regularly and taking your dancing a bit more seriously. No dance teacher wants to see hard work and talent walk out the door with a girl who is not committed.....despite their level(or lack of) of expertise. I'm not having a go at you Annie, I'm just telling you like it is whether you think it's fair or not. Good luck.

11/2/08  Annie
Dear Karen, Thanks for your reply, although I was somewhat distressed by how many people (including you??) take dancing too seriously. I particularly refer to your comment about dancing studio owners giving their boys/men, away to just anyone. Surely, it is up to the individuals concerned if they are a 'match' or not, without prior screening/approval by their teachers. I also find it quite amusing when partner search ads include something about the dancer wanting to make dancing their life (as in their career). Surely, someone needs to tell them that only a select few make it to the top. Now, don't get me wrong ..... I'm all for setting goals and having dreams (yes, I'm still looking for a dancing partner), but they need to be realistic.
Maybe over-possessive studio owners would be better off directing their concerns towards ensuring that their pupils (particularly teenagers) have attainable goals, rather than being in the business of screening potential partners.
Surely, dancers of equal standard would rather dance with a partner than by themselves - even if it doesn't make it to a long term partnership. One Qld dancing competition that I attended last year, had a novelty event where participant's names went into a hat and the male dancers were randomly matched with female dancers (who have never met before, let alone practised together) to compete together. The New Vogue dances were known at the time of registration for the dancing comp. Wow, what a great experience ..... I loved it, I got matched with someone who was at a higher level, and although a little bit intimidating, really made my day. I would love to see more of this type of event included in comps. It's a bit of fun and you get to meet new people.
There are a lot of us partnerless dancers out there, who find it difficult to even find a "stand-in' partner for the individual events. If more of these novelty events were offered, an increased level of participation would result - the main aim of dancesport!!

22/01/08  Disappointed
I have searched everywhere for the results of the 2007 Australian Championships only to find that they are now ONLY published in the Dance Review. Surely there is somewhere I can read the results without having to subscribe to a magazine!!! Can anyone give me a clue as to where I can look? Thanks.

22/01/08  Karen
Oh dear Annie, this is sadly another case of too many girls and not enough boys! I know how discouraged girls become after a while when they can't find a partner, but it's a fact of life at dance studios. Clearly Santa wasn't able to deliver and neither will 'turning up at another studio'. Dance studios are very protective of who they partner up and tend to give preference to their own pupils, natuarally.
They are not going to give away a good boy to some girl who 'turns up' looking for a partner. You need to do some more research and find out which studios in your area have lots of dancers in your age category and perhaps start attending on a regular basis, so they realise you are serious. This may not sit too well with your current teacher but you need to explain what you are intending to do. Be up front with your teacher and don't go sneaking around to other dance studios behind his/her back.
A decent dance teacher will support you in your search for a partner even if it means losing you. They can then be proud of all the good basic work they have instilled in you as you progress with your new partner. Good luck Annie, don't give up.

21/01/08  Annie
I have been unsuccessfully looking for a dancing partner for about two years. Was wondering if anyone out there has any ideas of what I should do? I have (in the past and currently) put an ad in the partner search section of this website only to receive some weirdo replies.
I currently take private lessons and am progressing through my medals - recently completed gold standard with honours. While I do enjoy completing my medals, it would be so much better if I had a dancing partner to work with. I have done quite well at some comps where I have danced as an individual, but these routines tend to be basic ones as I can't be partnered by my teacher.
Some people recommend that I just turn up at dancing comps hoping to meet someone, but I am sceptical as unless someone actually asks you to dance and then someone notices you, I think that I would be a wallflower for most of the time. Have tried turning up at other studios too, but the same problem. While I am willing to put the effort in to achieve results and improve, I don't have any grand plans to make a career out of dancing. I would be most appreciative of any ideas that may help me in my quest to find a dancing partner - have already tried asking Santa Claus, but he hasn't delivered. Thanks

10/01/08  Karen
So glad ot see I am not the only one who thinks the 'Australian' telecast needs to include some other events. Although channel 7 has the rights to the broadcast, surely they are open minded enough to accept some suggestions from the Dancesport powers-that-be to make the show more appealling to a wider audience. At present they are just 'preaching to the converted'.

0/01/08  Long Time Dance
Karen, I totally agree the future is in the kids. And they are so good to watch, very entertaining, But I think Dancesport Australia have very little say as to content. As Channel 7 have the rights, I also think that gives them virtually total control. I think when next time Dancesport Australia negotiate a deal with channel seven then we need to state some terms on content, to best promote our sport.

7/01/08  Tango
Long time dancer. Do not dispair, hang in there, things will get better! The first time I was runner up in the Australian Open Amatuer back in Mickeys days, I did not find out until six weeks later. They only gave out the winners.I spoke to Mickey about this and from then on All events were announced 1st.2nd. and 3rd. So speak up and make it happen. Tango.

7/01/08  Tango
I agree with Karen, we need to see all grades not always the elite.The lower grades are within reach of the general public and should be shown to encourage people into dancesport. The general public like watching all levels of Dancesport, you do not have to have a high standard for it to retain its popularity.Many years ago Bon had Old Time Ballroom on channel 2 ,just televising a Public Dance, and it went on for years. Tango

4/01/08  Karen
"Long time Dancer"...I too have concerns about the Australian Championships although different from yours. For years I attended the champs in Melbourne along with my pupils but now that I am not teaching as much don't have the same incentive to go. I do however love to watch the TV broadcast at Christmas but am disappointed at only being able to see professional and open events. I feel it gives the wrong impression to the the 'ordinary' viewer who may be interested in taking up dancing.
If Dancesport is to appeal to the 'ordinary' person then some of the lower grades including juvenilles need to be included to show that it is a sport for all types and ages.... not just the glamour queens and kings. While the quality of the telecast has improved immensely over the years, I feel the content projects an unbalanced image of what Dancesport is all about.

In reply to "Country Kids".....I understand all too well your concerns over "favouritism' that you've wittnessed when dancing in city comps. As a long time dance teacher, my answer to you is to try to attend more city comps so that you get noticed. Adjudicators are used to seeing the same couples over and over a again and become aware of their strengths and weaknesses, with the results often being the same from comp. to comp. You will have to put in the hard yards and be outstanding to get noticed. I KNOW it can be done as I've had dedicated pupils who have succeeded despite having to travel great distances to comps. in the city. There's no doubt it's harder for country kids but if you love your dancing then you'll hang in there.

27/12/07  Long Time Dancer
Congratulations on a fantastic Australian Dancesport Championship, this event gets better all the time. However, some changes don’t go down very well with the competitors or on lookers. What’s with the Saturday Night Finals, with only some events being introduced from the stage and some not. Not even to the point where they are introduced onto the floor. Just a this is the event get on get off, lets move on. This shows very little respect to those couples who have worked so very hard to get a chance to be presented on stage at Australians premier Dancesport event. I have heard all the excuses on why this was done, and I must say they were crap. I for one was very disappointed along with others who have now quit Dancesport after the Aussies out of shear frustration at some of the organiser’s decisions. If you are going to have a Saturday Night Final Program then run it as such. Or Just Dont Have a Finals Night. Thank you.

5/12/07  Country Kids
hi, could anyone help us as we are new to competition & totally stunned by the very obvious *favouritism* in the juvenille age group,we are country kids & notice the same city kids win every time...is it in all comps that dance studio owners-teachers judge their own students or is that an australia wide thing, who could we write to for advice or to make a complaint??? thankyou.

2/11/07  Mother
Does anyone have any size 10 latin dresses for sale? we are looking for someone in the youth division for the australian championships. Please send pictures and information to ausgate@wn.com.au

9/10/07  Star Organizing Committee
Masters 2 Open New Vogue Swing Waltz has been replaced by Carousel for the Star Championships, Queensland, 20 October. Our apologies for the late change but we wanted to bring this event into line with Melbourne in December. Could studio proprietors please note that any cheques for payment of admission need to be made payable to Logan City Council NOT Logan Entertainment Centre.

20/7/07  Desperate
HI i am wanting to sell a dress as soon as possible- it is a latin dress; short, red, beautiful. however, i dont have the time to attend competitions in hope of selling it. where can i sell my dress- if anyone is interested, julianikakis@hotmail.com is my email- i can send photos/ details. its a beautiful dress- hardly worn, and i dont know what to do. thannkyou!

11/6/07  Dance Studio for Sale
Hi Australia. I am the owner of a large dance studio in Queensland. For personal reasons I find myself in the position where I have to leave it. The studio has a large following, good level of competitors , and large social classes both adult and children. Because of the urgency of this matter I am prepared to basically give the studio away for the cost of the equipment, HOWEVER I will be very selective about who it goes to. You must be qualified and know what you are doing. IF your interested please call this number . 0420879796
Please note the studio is NOT in Brisbane

Neil3/6/07  Neil & Danielle
We are from New Zealand and are looking at entering the Gold Coast comp in Aug 2007.Being relatively new to the sport we are not quite sure of the grading system. We are currently level 2. The events on the entry form are listed as Level 1&2, Level 2&3. Does this mean we can enter both or can we only enter one? Thank you. Neil

20/12/06 Confused
No complaint or 'sour grapes' from me. Just a 'confused' financial member of DSA. I have always played by the rules, so went to OUR rule book to try and answer a question put to me, and was confused when the rules and practice weren't the same.
Was just trying to get an answer. The sport can only be as strong as the National board and how it enforces the rules, otherwise..... get rid of all rules as there is no reason to have them if they can't be enforced. I hope this leads to some discussion between the national and stste boards.

18/12/06 Sha
With regards to rules and their policing: At the recent Australians, the premiere DanceSport event in this country, several juvenile boys were wearing the new black skivvies that will be allowed FROM 1 JAN 2007. These boys were not only wearing them in the initial round, but also in subsequent rounds so the dress restrictions were not being enforced. I feel that scrutineers should be checking rules and restrictions at EVERY registered competition and ESPECIALLY an National Championships. It is not fair to those who obey the rules if those who do not are not penalised.

5/12/06 Exec Officer DSQ
Dear Confused, If you wish to make a complaint regarding a possible breach of DSA Policy and Procedures, please contact the relevant DSA Branch Board with specific details of the matter, so that it may be properly investigated.
.........Cherrie Kissitch State Executive Officer Dancesport Queensland

4/12/06 To Confused
To answer you question on the line between Professional / Amateur competitors. A Professional competitor is a choice you make (wise or not is not up for discussion). A Amateur competitor is an earned graded division (level 1 less than 5 wins, Level 2 less than 10 wins and so on). As for DSA making rules the rules are only as strong as the group it self. It looks as thought DSQ are rather weak in this area.

4/12/06 Confused
I am confused.... in a recent discussion over the situation of 'professional' dancers changing to 'amature', i thought I would be smart and go to the rules on this site. The document on this-"CR004" states clearly that this change can not happen if the PRO competed as a PRO for more than 6 months or has significent results in PRO comps. BUT, 1) recently in Qld., a pro who competed as a pro for over 12 months,introduced themself as a professional dancerand made an 'Aussies' Pro final was allowed to go straight dack to Amature competition, no waiting period, nothing. In fact, Aussies Pro comp finalist in Dec., amature next month. 2) Have been told another Qld. PRO, who made an AUSSIES PRO-LATIN final, and who has been dancing professionally in a stage-show at a major casino for over a year is about to take the Dancesport floor again, but in the amature field. Now to my point.... why does Dancesport make rules if these are clearly NOT followed? If the line between PRO and AMATURE can be so easily crossed and recrossed, why have it? Do away with the 2 divisions and combine them into one division..... or enforce the rules/guidelines which are so clearly laid out. What do others think?

2/8/06 Russian
My name is Anisimov Sergey. Email:  anisim777@yahoo.com. I’m from Khabarovsk, Russia. Dancing about 12 years. Now I have a new partner. We started dance about 1,5 month ago. And last week we kept 3 place in IDSF open Latin Dance in Asakusa 2006 Tokyo, Japan. But I’m really don’t understand what for I am dancing, take part in some competitions, have a lot of training. I think my work useless in my country and I’m useless too. Because, everything we do by our self, and nobody need this. But I want to dance, I want learning how to do it right and I want to give my experience children in future. Maybe you know some Dance Sport Clubs in your country, in which interested in good couples? If so, please, send this letter to it. We have possibility to relocate.