2/8/06 To: A Dancer
In world of negativity, and complaints, isn't it FANTASTIC to see a new couple leading the way for Australia on the WORLD STAGE. Joshua Keefe and Annalisa Zoanetti are now clearly the country's leading Latin Couple on IDSF rankings and were the highest placed Ausie couple at Blackpool - a huge measuring stick. Yet we hear little because the established couples get all the coverage... without the performance level. Full credit to Josh and Annalisa as they work hard to achieve their dream, regardless of the OLD guard. Their performance will shake the establishment soon enough

2/8/06 To: Observer & Elevations
I agree the matters you bring to our attention are important and should not be pushed under the carpet. DSA can not, will not and should not act until a complaint has been laid. DSA can only act on a complaint that has been made in writing through official channels. If you really feel strongly put it in writing.

27/7/06  Re: Elevations
I was in Canberra recently and witnessed a couple win the same event that they had previously won at the ADS Australian Champions only 6 months prior. How can this be? Is the rule when you win a Championship you should automatically be elevated to the next level? Why was this couple not?

27/7/06  To Observer
To Curious, Personally I do not believe the incident should be dismissed and forgotten. Firstly it appears that couples may be entitled to either a win or an upgrading of their places in the event. Secondly it is suggested that you contact the Organizer of the event to explain the situation and enquire if they can explain or rectify the incident. The incident may have been an oversight in a couple of areas and accordingly the matter should be attended to immediately to ensure that a similar event does not happen again.

26/7/06  To Curious
If DSA receive no complaint its not a problem. It sounds as though the competition was an inferior event and the promoter needs to improve there event. Dont go to this event next time.

24/7/06  Curious
Would like a c clarification of Dancesport rules regarding grade restrictions. How is it possible for a couple to partcipate in & win both events: level 4 (restricted to level 4 only) and level 2 & 3 - level 4 event was run prior to event level 2/3??

16/7/06  Tango
Dancing with the stars has concluded the series.We saw the judges decision, but the public vote we are told made the final decission. I have three questions,and have been unable to get any answers.
1. What was the public vote?
2. How much was raised by the public vote?
3. How much did the charities get? With over 2 million viewers, and 55 cents for a vote,how many millions of dollars were made over the series???
Do we care?

10/5/06  Steven
Well done Mark! A well organised and put together competition. I only hope people take advantage of our sponsors as they will only continue to support DANCESPORT if they see a return (yes that means we need to use there products and tell them were we are from when we do). The new compares did a great job but the venue really need to be looked at. After all it is only a big room with a bad floor in the centre and limited canteen supplies.

24/4/06  John
I have heard Arsen Kishishian and Alarna Donovan split last week. Is it true? Our only couple at the semi/finals international level.

03/03/06  Richesindance
Hello Mazdancer II. I think what mazdancer meant, was that a trainer knew about the tryouts but did not want to loose the student. Wouldnt that make more sense? Clearly a "tryout" as you say means that the students can compromise by going to different studios to practice or tryout together. Clearly, the partner would be informed as that person would be part of that tryout.

20/2/06 Reply Tango
Tango if you look at the rest of the world you will find that sequence dancing is very popular in most countries and has been for a longer than Modern Ballroom (Standard) and Latin American. Maybe its just you who finds it dificult to learn.

12/2/06 Fan Dango (with apologies to Tango)
I feel that the profession needs to recognise that Modern, Latin and Street Latin dancing, while being of interest to those who can dance is a deterrent, when prospective dancers come to learn to dance. If they all had to learn were 5 new Vogue and 5 Sequence dances, they could be dancing in a few hours. Look at the rest of the world you can learn enough dances and to go dancing in under 10 hours. So teach beginners New Vogue and Sequence Dancing. Then run a dance for them with that program. (let the popular market decide) Re-water the old grass roots.

21/1/06 - Tango
I feel that the profession needs to recognise that N.V., and sequence dancing, while being of interest to those who can dance, is a deterrent, when prospective dancers come to learn to dance. If all they had to learn was 5 modern and 5 latin and some street latin, they could be dancing in a few hours. Look at the rest of the world? You can learn enough basic steps in each dance to go dancing in under 10 hrs., so teach beginners mod/latin/street. Then run a dance for them with that program . Water the grass roots.

21/1/06 - Tango
Congratulations to ADS for the improved telecast and commentary, of the 2005 Australian, a vast improvement.

17/1/06 -Mazdancer II
Mazdancer 9/1/06. Why not suggest to your teacher that 'tryouts' be conducted at each of your own home studios. If either of you have current partners it is not appropriate behaviour to have 'tryouts' unless the relevant partner is informed. No doubt each studio involved would be trying to gain a student, therefore it might be appropriate to hold a tryout at a private and neutral venue with parents/sponsor (person who pays for tuition) in attendance. Then seek professional advice. Also be aware that not to involve the coaches of each party could cause resentment or discrimination in the future. Students should not be held back from reaching their intermediate goals or dreams, unless there are other important issues.

9/1/06 -Mazdancer
Is it unprofessional for a teacher to not allow his/her student to go to another studio purely for a tryout. This doesnt mean that student would be necessarily intending to take on the potential partner's trainers. Just a tryout to see if the couple are compatible.

16/10/05 -Observer
Referring to the competition Tango & Vienmese Waltz dances. On occasions when the Viennese Waltz is deleted from competition, it would probably be a Level 5 or Open Event. For whatever reason a dance is dropped during a registered event our fellow member competitor is immediately disadvantaged 20% as in preparation, practice time and tuition. 
Could it be that the coaches are the problem? As well a being the coach, they can also the adjudicator and may even be on the committee of the organizer of the event who, ultimately makes the final decision. Also, are competition coaches repeating history and not taking the opportunity to teach basic Tango and Viennese Waltz during special technique group classes in preparation for the future. 
The medal system could be utilised to better advanatage students prior to becoming a competitor.

15/10/05 -TLF
In reponse to Walter's comments on the VW being dropped from competition, I have been around competition dancing for several years but am yet to see anyone in Level 1 attempting a Tango or for that matter a Foxtrot. I'd like to know at what events Walter has seen this "all the time". 
At a recent competition, Level 2 Adults were given a Foxtrot, Quickstep as an Event, which made a refreshing change. Most Level 2 dancers would have some experience in Foxtrot particularly if they are close to elevating. Perhaps this brings up another issue which is why as a beginner you are not taught all five standard dances, so that your progression in each would be even. 
When learning latin, you learn C,S,R,J. Why, in Australia do we have to wait until the higher grades to compete in the Tango and VW. Could someone in the know could answer this one for me?

05/10/05 -Walter
Why do people dislike the Viennese Waltz? At a recent competition, the VW was dropped from an open event to save time and to create an extra heat.[I didn't mind dropping a dance to create an extra heat, but why is it always the VW that is the one to go? Why not the quickstep?] At big competitions the VW often only appears in the semi-final or final of the open. 
The VW helps distinguish the open event from the graded events.One dances the Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot and Quickstep all the time in Levels 1 to 4 ]. Unlike the Paso Doble in Latin, which periodically pops up in Level 4, the VW never does. Therefore an open event is one's only chance to dance it.

22/09/05 -John in Queensland
Isn't it so good to see that the current series of Dancing with the Stars shows so conclusively you don't need to be a current absolute champion to be a really great teacher/coach. I am so pleased to see that the field is so even, and those who are putting in the effort, without the regard of age or previous experience are showing they too can dance. Bravo, congratulations to the program, as well as those who are doing the tutoring.

10/09/05 -Robbie
Thanks Steve Much appreciated

07/09/05 -Steve W
Re Tailsuits Robbie- June designs quoted $2500 and up (tailored offshore-Japan). I rang Carbone Master Tailors 297 Lygon St Brunswick East Melbourne Ph (03)9380-2695 carbonemastertailors.com.au . Their specialist said he'd made them before and was aware of their 'unique' cut and had made them before. He also quoted $2500 and suggested I bring in my old Tails suit for reference. I'd give 'em a go before dismissing the idea- at least you get person-to-person fitting this way. Steve Winzar

05/09/05 -Robbie
Hello. Im searching for anyone who has tails or someone who can make them for a large sized figure in Victoria.

29/08/05 -Tango
Re tails /tailors Adelaide has an excellent tailor who does quality and value, and has an eye for detail. contact Paul Bothwell for more de TAILS.

21/08/05 -Tango Boy
Sorry to hear the issues around young dancers having to conform with tans etc... If they are juveniles then makeup is already a no no so not even an issue. If the Coach is putting pressure on then get out find some one who cares enough to look after you - It will not take very long surely. Our sport needs dedicated coaches as well as competitors - all should be encouraged - at any age. BUT. Let us know what it takes to get there and then ensure we get it right from the beginning...

21/08/05 -SA Dancer
Thank goodness Tony B has closed shop - many will herald this as the standard was not there - many have had tails made but after repeated efforst to repair their suits, a new one is purchased else where. Yes it is a pity that we men have nowhere to go. 
My first suit by M Vukovich was excellent for 8 years but now after a new suit last year need to start the process of finding a tailor to make one. No - do not head off to England for your tails - a friend had his made by the "BEST" then spent $1200 getting it fixed - still not right even then. Pity our suits are not that "easy to organise"...........

13/08/05 -Comp dancer
Hi Shez, I just read your comments and have been told the same thing, (although I am in adult and dance in open) I was told I didn't have enough fake tan on. I too have sensitive skin and apart from the horrible orange colour my skin does not react to the tan. Depending on what age group and level your children are at, it is expected that they wear tan and "play the part of a contender" 
Unfortunately it is expected and if you don't have good costumes and are sufficiently tanned your markings do suffer. This may not be fair but unfortunately it is how it is and having "the look" is 90% of the battle. 
A lot of adjudicators and coaches will say this is nonsense but really it isn't. Unless you have a name like Arsen and Alana who have won the British rising stars and can walk into a comp and know they will win you MUST be a sheep. I mention Arsen and Alan because in the NCDC in Canberra they won the Open Latin with no tan and were not groomed, it looked as if they weren't trying. 
Like I said until you are at that stage you can't get away with it.

13/08/05 -Steve
contacted Tony Bonnici in Sydney about obtaining a new Tails-suit recently only to be told he is closing his buisness for an indefinite term, quite possibly permanently. This is a sad occurrance due to the fact that Tony offered 'tails' at very economical charge. (I'd rather not use the word 'cheap' but you get my drift...). This leaves us blokes in a sorry situation because the next option commences at $2.5K . 
Is there any body else in Australia/NZ or Pacific rim doing Tails? An yes I know- the girls spend that much on frocks each time! .Yeeees I know, we've had it too good for too long! But let's face it, since the retirement of Anton Vukovic and Marika Tittl in Melbourne doing some impressive work there has been nobody else come to the fore. As a group 
I believe we ought to try remedy this situation I've done a little digging around on the internet and found the Yanks seem to buy most of their Tails from the 3 major cutters in the UK, although there appears to be an American tailor branded 'Onik'. I'm also going to write to a fellow in LA and suss him out too. All in all most of the prices you see on the internet are in $US and commence around 1.2k I think we need some sources ASAP- and a few other alternatives too. 
Steve Winzar

20/05/05 -Advise
Shez, A couple of questions. Is the Teacher you are learning of a Qualified DSA Coach? Is the Teacher the studio proprietor? 
If the anwser is no then I would recomend you move to a QUALITY DSA coach. If the teacher working at a studio it is best to take the matter to the proprietor or owner. Another question. 
Does the area you live in have another studio and if so first check out that the teachers are qualified DSA coaches and that the standard that they have meet your requirements. 
Afterall you are the customer and the are the supplier of a product. I agree with you Nicoles comments were in reference to the higher leveled competitors.

27/07/05 -Shez
I am very confused and upset - my two children have been dancing for around 10 months and competing for around 6 months. There is a huge conflict going on between our dance teacher, my son's partners mother and ourselves because they say that we are degrading the school and holding back partners by not been presented properly for competitions, in that my children will not have fake tan applied. Beside the fact that it looks ridiculous on my children sending them orange as they are very fair and the fact that my children have extremely sensitive skin I will not apply it. To have my daughter sprayed is around $60 and we struggle to pay for all the competition entries and travel as it is, we simply can't afford this extra expense. 
What I need verified is - is it essential to need to wear fake tan and if so is this disadvantageous to these kids and their respective partners if they don't?? I am told it is just something that is expected!! I have been through and through the rules and follow them but can't find anything except for Juveniles cannot wear fake tan. Comments in the Dance Review (July)by Nicole Byrnes on Page 17 - I understood meant the high ranks with names like Michael Miziner mentioned under it - however this is being used as a lever against us saying we look unprepared however we spend so many hours and days and weeks preparing - could it be that no tan is the reason why we do no good at competitions having no fake tan on?????????? We are been driven away from dancing by our own studio and my son's partners mother over this matter and we feel we have no answers - perhaps you can help as I am sick of been spoken to rudely and made to feel very uncomfortable. 
Desperate for answers before my children's spirit and love of dancing is destroyed.

20/05/05 -Steven
Well they do it again!!!!! At the first National Championship in the calander year of 2005 the organiser and a member of the rules commission didn't instruct HIS EMPLOYEES to mark the cards of the winners at the event correctly. The new rule for elevations at a National Championship is if you win an event you elevate to the next level. 
On 21st July 2005 the Victorian DSA Registra contacted the Victorian winners from NCDC championship held at the end of June 2005 and informed them that on the week end of 23rd July 2005 they would need to elevate to the next level if they hadnt done so already. Not much notice to get an extra dance up and moving and if you are a level one competitor you need a costume. 
Also what about the competitors that competed at eventS between this. 
Even the DSA competition held in SA on the 17 June 2005. In the focus newsletter issued 12th December 2004 several rules were to BE put into place, the new elevation rules for national championships (not being administered properly), Dress Regulations (again not being administered even ignored because its to hard to deel with) and Ex Professionals competitors registering and dancing as Amateurs (not being administered). 
Maybe DSA should help its members find a body who will administer and follow the rules that have been set out...... An attempt at humour.

12/07/05 -Tango
I should not complain about the Dancesport site , when I visited the A.D.B. site the latest news there was in 2003?, and they do not even have a Members Forum.and by the way S.A. Dancesport have a stand at this years Royal Adelaide Show, what do other states do.?

04/07/05 -Webmaster
In reply to Tango of today. Although the 'Have your say' page was very well supported in the past, it was suspended because of the content of many postings. You must admit most submissions were really not worthy of posting.
The difference now of course is that the page is only open to members who must give their name and membership number. This deters al lot of people, because all submissions can be traced.

04/07/05 -Tango
It would seem that this forum is unknown,look at the last 6 months ? Either no one is interested or people are not aware of its existance.what a great pity,why does'nt Dancesport Promote it ?? What's happening Keith?.

10/06/05 -Dancer
Congratulatons to Trent Whiddon & Peta Murgatroyd for placing 3rd in the British Youth Latin and also to Grant Barratt-Thompson & Mary Patterson who were 6th in the Professional Rising Star Modern. 
I was also saddened to hear that Alan & Donna Shingler have retired from competition dancing and they will definitely be missed on the competitiion floor. I hope we see them here in Australia more often

22/05/05 -Tango
Dancesport Executive. Q. 1. Can any dancesport member or reg.professional attend state dancesport committee meetings ,as an observer . 
Q.2.Where are all the comments from dancers etc.do they not know about this forum????is it a secret, is it tooo much work??? Please notify all dancers, coaches,professionals etc. of its existance,if help is required I am sure there are volunteers available.Keep up the good work.

22/05/05 -Tango
In S.A. we are looking for a sponcer who will sponcer our advertising of special events ie. Championships and Festivals..any suggestions?????.

22/05/05 -Tango
John. Yes,Yes yes its commmon sense to put fox trot as the 4th dance ,and some thought should be given to dropping vienesse waltz from senior events, especially over 50's., unless you wish to devalue, the artistic, and expressive component.

20/05/05 -Steven
John in Queensland, So what is my point? DSA officals and Competition organisers are unable to police or administer simple rules like dress codes before or after January 2005 changes. Maybe the problem is in the administration of the rules not the rules themselves. In reference to your comment regarding crook judging. 
I personally have never met a crook judge, I dont always agree with a judge but this doesn't make there decision a crook one just different and to mine. DSA has a clear code of conduct regarding handling people in general. 
As for poaching people move on maybe we should?

18/05/05 - John
Are there any rules regarding the sequence of the 5 standard dances? Overseas at all IDSF competitions there is always Slow Foxtrot between Vienese Waltz and Quickstep and so it is in NSW(Open, Sth.Pacific, East Coast)however in Victoria it is still the "traditional" order of W,T,SF,VW,Q. Todays dancing is so much more physically demanding than say 15 years ago that IDSF recognised the need to put one slow dance between the two last fast dances to assist dancers in recovery after the Vienese Waltz. DSA seems to follow IDSF rules e.g. dress rules so why not this one.

18/05/05 - John in Queensland
Steven, what are you refering too exactly. There is absolutely no doubt, the instructor/coach/teacher of those to whom you refer are the ones that should carry the resposibility for some wide eyed youngster's dress, and, level 1 competitors inclusion of figures outside the accepted syllabus. 
From my experience, the Chairman of Adjudicators would address those issues that way. So what is your point? What needs to happen is, we, the members (and financiers) of the industry need to say what we mean, support, when the organisers are right and critisise succinctly when we think it is wrong. 
Personally, I think that crook judging and student poaching are just 2 of the issues that effect comp. dancers, and the industry generally. More importantly, we need to ensure that the industry has some safe guards in place to protect the children involved in our sport from the real life risks that are present in society these days.

13/05/05 -Steven
It has nearly been 6 months since the introduction of the new dress regulations. Competition organisers and the DSA have not yet found a way to administer these rules effectively. This very small problem should be brought forward on the agender of problems to solved and quickly. If competition organisers and DSA cannot administer BASIC RULES like dress codes then I wonder how many other administrative duties do they fail in. Punishing a 12 year old girl/boy for wearing the clothing her/his hero wears is not the way to go. The onus should be on the coach to instruct the couple effectively. This is also my opinion regarding restricted syllibus. If a Beginner (Level 1 dancer) doesn't use a restricted syllibus figure or a correct preceed or follow then again shouldn't it come back to the coach of the couple. Why should a beginner be expected to know and understand the restricted syllibus?06/05/05 -Tango
oppose the sequence dances mainly because of the numbers of them , and how impossible it is for new people to enter the dance scene. if you learn 4 modern and 4 latin and a few traditional dances like mil.2 merrilyn tangoette ev. 3 canadian etc. it would be reasonably easy, but add another 40 sequence dances (and there is a lot more than 40,maybe in excess of 200)put it in the too hard basket. 
I think this is why there is slow growth of numbers in social dancing. t.v. shows will attract new blood but will we scare them off with quantity.. too many dances...too many sequences...

06/05/05 -Tango
Would it be a good idear to introduce a ranking system into dancesport. Ranking could be done from results in championships and festivals nationally ,this would encourage competitors to compete locally as well as interstate, rankings could be listed on the net.....with photos.???

05/05/05 - John in Queensland
WOW, fantastic, let's hope Dancesport can now move on and anyone who has a different viewpoint moves on as well.

01/05/05 - John in Queensland
Has there been any outcome to the court action Dancesport faced over a year ago?

19/04/05 - Steven
No John this is not correct. The process is very simple you register as a competitor with the appropriate body and then when you finalize you Level 0 requirements you pass that infomation onto the Sports Director Mr Courts who will do the administration. Next year however when you register, you as a coach/competitor with the appropriate form and to the appropriate body (no you dont need to Register twice). If you have any questions your DSA acredited coach or Mr Courts would be the best people to ask!

14/04/05 - John
I am just registering for the 2005 year and have to do it twice and will get two registration numbers. One for combined Coach/Competitor and second for competitor in Victoria. I think it should be made simpler.

14/04/05 - Cat
Tango, I can see your point in some cases however coming for a competeive and social studio I witness the social scene thriving. Latin sequence dancing has just been introduced to our social nights and as a teacher Ive discovered that alot of our students are enjoying it, young and old, its alot of fun. It has opened up latin to alot of our older participants bc it doenst involve difficult leads and follows, showy tricks or the technique it would take to dance a medal or compition. 
One older lady in particular told me that she (After 3 years of dancing with us) had not danced latin bc she was worried that she would look "a bit silly" dancing jive and rumba with "the younger crowd". Due to sequence/progressieve dancing she has now started a latin medal class and cant wait to dance her exam. Sequence dancing allows people to participate in styles they may not have tried before and gives them an oppertunity to learn the basics of a style without joining a specialised class if they do not wish to. 
I am happy to see sequence dances being taught in studios as much as the international styles..... What's wrong with some variation?

14/04/05 - Steven
Tango, Are you the type of dancer who has a ballroom, Latin or Street latin routine but still thinks New Vogue dancers are the only dancers danceing a sequence style.

29/03/05 - Tango
is this forum a secret?are the dancers made aware of its existance,its a great place to air your concerns ,gripes,appreciations.lets all try to stop the sequence virus, and expand on standard, latin & street latin,lets get into merengue and salsa.

10/03/05 Steven
The new dress code is now in place. I wonder how many competitors realise that the changes are across all age groups and all levels from Juvenile to Professional. The old dress codes were not adhered to so it will be interesting to see how DSA administer these rules. Maybe if DSA made the rules EASIER TO FOLLOW more people could adhere to them.

26/01/05 - Tango
the telecast of the worlds ten dance was ex. just too brief. the 2004 a.d.s. australian telecast was a desaster, half way through i turned it off, digusted. the masses want to see dancing ,,,not the comments and piffle of others.

26/01/05 - Tango
do we realise that mod.&latin sequence dancing is killing the social dancing scene. international style (mod +Latin) are danced the world over , but in australia the scene is drowning in new sequences.