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Hey, DT readers!
Let's talk about what's going on in the world of ballroom
dancing. I could write a DanceSport soap opera...
"As the Heel Turns". What do you think?
How about "All My Students"? I can see episode
1. Tara, after just winning her seventh title, is
about to step into the shower to remove the pounds
of pro-tan and face makeup her partner so carefully
applied several hours ago. Slowly, she turns the water
on...suddenly, she screams! (No, there's not a knock
at the door, no, the runner up is not standing there
with a rhinestone butcher knife to do poor Tara in...that's
too predictable). Tara is screaming because she can't
get clean. The Hair Goddess has used so much hair
spray on Tara's pretty little head, that the water
just bounced straight off her head and onto the ceiling!
Uggggh.....Aggghhhhh.....the agony! What do you think?
I know, I know, better stick to dancing, right?
Just got back from Kansas City. I have always enjoyed
attending and being a part of the Heart of America
Championships. Although the number of entries, for
whatever reason, were not as high as last year, the
competition itself did not lack enthusiasm and excitement,
partly due to how well organized the event is and
also due to the support of the local and out of town
competitors who were obviously there to have a good
time. Congratulations to organizers Leroy and Ginny
Walters and to Dianne Gingerich, the event coordinator.
John DePalma, who was scheduled
to be the Master of Ceremonies at the Heart of America,
was unable to attend due to a death in the family.
John's grandmother, who was over 100 years old, passed
away last week. No matter what the age of a loved
one who dies, it is always a sad time in one's life.
I know I speak, not only for myself but for all of
John's friends in the dance industry, we are thinking
of you and send our condolences.
Bill Sparks and Kimberly Mitchell
will not be competing at this year's United States
DanceSport Championships. Several months ago, Kimberly
injured her back and unfortunately is not able to
completely recover in time to seriously compete for
the U.S. title. It must be tough for a couple who
are strong and dedicated dancers not to be able to
pursue their goal. Although nobody wishes this on
anyone, it does open the door for several couples
to have an opportunity to make it into the final of
the Latin and to possibly compete in the Worlds as
a representative of the United States. The two front
runners seem to be Slavik Kryklyvyy and Karina Smirnoff
from New York and Gary and Diana McDonald from New
Jersey. Karina won the United States title last year
with former partner Louis VanAmstel. It should be
an exciting event to watch.
There is much excitement and talk
about the Super Bowl Dancesport Series, as pro/am
competitors are trying to rack up points going into
the final stretch, with the finale being held at this
year's Ohio Star Ball. One of the highlights of the
Super Bowl ( a circuit comprised of 48 competitions)
will be the Pro/Am team match competition, which will
be held on Friday evening in Batelle Hall. This is
the same venue that Championship Ballroom Dancing
is produced. Qualifying rounds are offered at all
of the 48 competitions, in the pro/am Open Championship
categories. This is sure to be an exciting event and
a great way to see the best pro/am teams in the nation.
For more info, you can log onto www.dancesportsuperbowl.com
Several members of the Dancer's
Cup Circuit tour have also been offering different
types of incentives and prizes to the teachers and
students who attend a Dancers Cup Circuit event. Sarwat
and Julia Kaluby, organizers of the First Coast Classic,
will be holding a drawing for all teachers who qualify
for a 2001 Jet Ski. The First Coast Classic is held
in Jacksonville, Florida. The dates for this event
are October 11-13th at the Adams Mark hotel. A cruise
for two will be given away at the St. Louis Star Ball,
which is held every year in March. Basically, the
format will be similar to the First Coast Classic
and to the Wisconsin State Dancesport Championships,
which this past April gave away a 2001 Harley Davidson
(lucky winner - Nichy Vegas). Glenis Dee, organizer
of the Maryland Invitational, added a new event called
" The Masters" to her venue this year. This
was an event offered to professionals who are forty
and above. All of the Dancer's Cup competitions have
increased their scholarships for amateurs as well.
The finale event for the Dancer's Cup Circuit is held
in Nashville in January. The Dancers Cup Circuit web
site is currently under construction. Dance Trends
will let you know when it is back up and running!
On Saturday, July 28th, Frank Regan
received the "Legends of Dance" award at
the exclusive Boca Resort and Club in Boca Raton,
Florida. Frank was fondly roasted by some of his former
students of many years ago in the presence of such
famous names as Sam Sodano, Bill Davies, Meryem Pearson,
and Glenis Dee Creger. A dance tribute to Frank was
presented by Gary and Gay Pierce and Jean Marc Generaux
and France Mousseau, which received a standing ovation.
Master of Ceremonies, John DePalma spoke of some of
the outstanding achievements and contributions by
Frank over his many years of service to the world
of dance as a choreographer, director, producer, writer,
composer, coach and mentor to many of North America's
dancers. Victoria Regan was unable to be there but
sent an audio tape which everyone got a great kick
out of. Among the many guests there to celebrate Frank's
contributions to the dance community was world renowned
celebrity and one of the most famous ballet stars
of the 20th century, Edward Villella. Credit must
be given to Larry and Diane Dean, who not only created
a very classy production but managed to keep the whole
thing a secret from Frank, who was obviously astonished
to discover that he was the recipient. Congratulations,
Frank!
I have had the honor of being asked
by Frank Regan and Gary Spencer to do a "Dance
Trends highlights" for the upcoming International
Dance Directory. Since I have always depended upon
you, the readers, for input, I would like to use this
week's question of the week to find out what your
favorite part of Dance Trends is. Feel free to send
me an e-mail on what you think was the most memorable
issue. Thanks! Well, that's about all the scoop I
have for now. It's nice to be back after that little
coffee incident that many of you keep reminding me
of! Next week, I will be talking more about the U.S.
Championships which is coming up in September. Until
then, this has been another episode of "As the
Heel Turns"!!
Dan
Messenger
08-13-2001
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