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I am counting
the days. Only 28 days until the first day of spring!
:) My Midwestern friends are nodding their heads right
now. They know what I mean. It's called cabin fever
and it usually hits around the end of January and
sticks around until that first warm spring day. Winter
can get pretty old. For those of you readers who live
in the south and are reading this sitting on your
patio, you might be thinking "What's the big
deal"? Well, all I can say is that it's like
only knowing one dance and doing it over and over
and over again! Although, I did have an uncle who
did polka to everything and he seemed pretty happy!
Anyways, the worst part is, when that first warm day
does arrive and I excitedly go to put on my shorts
and a polo shirt, I suddenly discover that there is
an extra layer of fat that I've stored up for those
cold nights! Ughhhhhh! Now it's time to start the
famous spring diet! (Didn't I just do the winter diet?)
Oh well...
Speaking of change, I thought it
was interesting to see a different format this year
for Championship Ballroom Dancing, which aired the
beginning of February. For anyone who has not seen
it yet, the show featured performances from past and
present champions. It paid tribute to 20 years of
dancing. What it didn't have was the usual competition
rounds, featuring three divisions, the International
Latin, International Standard and Theatre Arts. As
exciting as these divisions can be to watch, I think
it was a refreshing change of pace overall.
Most of you who read this newsletter
are aware that Championship Ballroom Dancing is another
name for the Ohio Star Ball, which is currently the
largest competition in the United States. It is my
understanding that it is not up to the Ohio Star Ball
as to what is to be viewed on the television program.
This decision is made by PBS (Public Broadcasting
System). I wonder if they would consider showing other
styles of our sport/art on a regular basis. Are they
concerned that American style might not be able to
capture the hearts and interest of the general public?
Do they believe that watching an American Smooth or
Rhythm final is not as exciting as watching a final
round of the International Standard or Latin? Or,
is it a risk they just do not want to take being that
Championship Ballroom Dancing is rated one of the
number one PBS shows? It's probably a little bit of
all of the above.
It is difficult to change the format
of a sure thing. The International Latin and Standard
obviously have not disappointed the viewing audience,
as is seen in the ratings. We are lucky to have very
entertaining, exciting and talented dancers in these
two divisions and they have a lot of appeal because
these are two styles that are danced throughout the
world.
American style has come a
long way though, thanks to the hard work of the competitors
and the dedication from their coaches, who believe
in this style of dance. I do think it appeals to the
general American public because it is a style that
they have grownup with. When Fred and Ginger glided
across the floor, it was with a freedom to move in
and out of each others arms, similar to American smooth.
We have also grown up with the influence of Latin
and Swing dance (Big Band) that has been intertwined
in American musicals throughout the years. So, why
not show more American Style on the tube? Maybe one
year...
Dan Messenger
02-19-2001
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