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Old 13-11-2014, 07:07
Jennifer_F
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Hey it would great to get a technical analysis of the dances when the dross is eliminated and the numbers fall. Maybe start in a couple of weeks. Perhaps people could remind us of their specialist dance skills. Don't be shy.
"Specialise" in Ballroom but good knowledge of Latin too.
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Old 13-11-2014, 07:11
Jennifer_F
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I so agree. I love the ask the pros section. In fact this year ITT is developing into something much more interesting imparting real information.

I am thinking of submitting my question about spotting in VW to them. I asked it a few pages back (post 234) and Henry answered. I was hoping for an answer from someone who actually dances ballroom. If that sounds niggly, my apologies, it is supposed to be a hint not a moan
Sorry AT, must have missed this. I do tend to gloss over the AT comments, sorry about that. Please can you ask again, ie relating to Ballroom ?
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Old 13-11-2014, 07:22
Jennifer_F
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Yes, all very fine and dandy, but they are not wearing ballroom tail suits!

The cut of the jacket is totally different for a start, but apart from that they are all wearing waistcoats, which team perfectly well with ties.

Ballroom dancers do not wear waistcoats, they wear white cummerbunds, which look totally daft with normal ties. The overall look is entirely different.
Think the tailors refer to them as vestettes or "waistcoats", not waistcoats in the traditional sense though. I see why people say they are "cummerbands" but they are not the same as men wear for evening wear. They will mostly have Mother of Pearl buttons on the front to attach to the inside of the coat, and will either attach to trousers only and/or have elastic to fit. Specially designed for ballroom dancers and are made out of white marcello fabric.
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Old 13-11-2014, 12:46
henrywilliams58
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Think the tailors refer to them as vestettes or "waistcoats", not waistcoats in the traditional sense though. I see why people say they are "cummerbands" but they are not the same as men wear for evening wear. They will mostly have Mother of Pearl buttons on the front to attach to the inside of the coat, and will either attach to trousers only and/or have elastic to fit. Specially designed for ballroom dancers and are made out of white marcello fabric.
I have noticed in the past month or so three women have inadvertently become undone down the front of their blouses / dresses after a tango with me. I thought nothing of it the first time but it keeps happening.

Does the panel think I should go to remedial classes? Or have I finally achieved mastery of the art without the use of fingers?

Moral: Don't wear button-up on the front dresses / blouses for a "milonguero" style tango.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milonguero_style
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Old 13-11-2014, 18:03
Fallaway r
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Hello! Is anyone out there competing on the university dance competition circuit this year or has in the past? First ever competition coming up in two weeks for me! Wondering if anyone has ever done these before?
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Old 13-11-2014, 18:18
Jennifer_F
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Hello! Is anyone out there competing on the university dance competition circuit this year or has in the past? First ever competition coming up in two weeks for me! Wondering if anyone has ever done these before?
No, but I have heard they are very good and a very good standard of competition. Hope you enjoy it, and good luck.
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Old 13-11-2014, 18:38
bendymixer
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Hi fallaway have a family member who dances for Hull I think - she is having a great time and my brother has enjoyedl going to watch what goes on at the University comps he too says the standard is great - I hope you enjoy the day and have a great time
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Old 13-11-2014, 18:39
bendymixer
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hi Jennfer and kaycee do either of you know Gary Edwards?
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Old 13-11-2014, 18:40
Jennifer_F
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hi Jennfer and kaycee do either of you know Gary Edwards?
Yes. sort of...My Mothers partner is Garys first teacher. He has done very well for himself out in USA
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Old 13-11-2014, 18:46
bendymixer
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yeah he has just come back from states for a bit and I think of him as the alan sugar of dancing - he teaches in hollywood and miami judges major comps like the emerald ball in the states is an ambassador of dance for monaco and teacher to the royal family of brunei - ha ha has had me in stitches but nice to see someone do so well remember him well from the days he danced with Nicola Cranshaw (Nordin) when they were in juniors he was a good mate of my brothers
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Old 13-11-2014, 18:50
Jennifer_F
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yeah he has just come back from states for a bit and I think of him as the alan sugar of dancing - he teaches in hollywood and miami judges major comps like the emerald ball in the states is an ambassador of dance for monaco and teacher to the royal family of brunei - ha ha has had me in stitches but nice to see someone do so well remember him well from the days he danced with Nicola Cranshaw (Nordin) when they were in juniors he was a good mate of my brothers
Had a bit of banter with him recently when Neil Jones and Katya Sokolova were out there at the Emerald. Coincidentally I used to have lessons with Goran and Nicki !
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Old 13-11-2014, 18:56
bendymixer
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haven't seen Nicki for years great dancer and nice person though my brother is the one who knows her - it nice to see the kids you used to see and watch do well - these days far too many and they themselves all getting on now
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Old 14-11-2014, 17:09
Fallaway r
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No, but I have heard they are very good and a very good standard of competition. Hope you enjoy it, and good luck.
Hi fallaway have a family member who dances for Hull I think - she is having a great time and my brother has enjoyedl going to watch what goes on at the University comps he too says the standard is great - I hope you enjoy the day and have a great time
Thanks so much Jennifer and Bendy! I'm really looking forward to it...I've been reading all your technique tips avidly, Jennifer . I'm sure I'll have more questions!
And bendy - I've heard hull has a really strong rock n roll team!
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Old 14-11-2014, 18:04
Jennifer_F
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Thanks so much Jennifer and Bendy! I'm really looking forward to it...I've been reading all your technique tips avidly, Jennifer . I'm sure I'll have more questions!
And bendy - I've heard hull has a really strong rock n roll team!
I'll be watching the World Professional Ballroom Championships next Sunday, so I will try to watch and learn myself !
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Old 14-11-2014, 19:11
Ellie_
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Hello! Is anyone out there competing on the university dance competition circuit this year or has in the past? First ever competition coming up in two weeks for me! Wondering if anyone has ever done these before?
I've heard amazing things about them from people at my dance school.

Is it your first ever competition completely or first ever uni one? Best of luck with it either way and ENJOY IT most of all. They are SUCH fun, especially if you have a good bunch of people with you.
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Old 14-11-2014, 19:25
franglemand
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Hello! Is anyone out there competing on the university dance competition circuit this year or has in the past? First ever competition coming up in two weeks for me! Wondering if anyone has ever done these before?
I competed when I was at uni and it was huge amounts of fun, beginner year especially. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! It's nerve-racking but you get to spend all day with your team, dancing yourself and cheering everyone else on by turns and... oh, I have so many fond memories of dance competitions at uni! Lots of dance, lots of laughter, a fair bit of sheer ridiculousness - get ready to yell and cheer as loudly as you can, particularly when you get to the team competition!. I'm actually still friends with my dance partner from first year - honestly you compete with someone for a year, you're either going to end up very good friends or not being able to stand one another.
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Old 14-11-2014, 20:20
fawkes
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I didn't see the show and cannot confirm what was and was not said/meant. However, it goes without saying that the Pro will certainly always "dumb down" their own dancing, so as to blend in with the celeb and make the couple look more equally balanced. The job of the Pro will be to enhance their celebs performance not overshadow it.
Thanks Jennifer and bendymixer for your answers (hope I didn't forget anyone). Jennifer, I thought this would be so, but it was interesting to hear it from their perspective - although bendy I apologise if I misunderstood it! And I love watching those pros too.

Think I understand the promenade bit. Thanks.

Fallaway have a great time! I'm quite jealous actually - wish I'd done more dancing at university, had a friend who competed in the university circuit and it sounded a lot of fun
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Old 14-11-2014, 20:57
henrywilliams58
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2012 MBAT Salsa Gold for Manchester Business School

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2La07rAoKfw

MBAT is the annual inter business school tournament held in Paris.

IESE (Barcelona) Salsa - MBAT 2014 Performance - 1st Place

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tZnzZStnCM

The crowd noise makes the SCD audience sound like they are in a church.
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Old 15-11-2014, 17:03
Ellie_
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Good places to buy second hand latin and ballroom dresses? I've borrowed some lovely dresses up until now but would quite like ones of my own. I've seen a couple that I like but I don't feel spoiled for choice (considering I'm "dancer sized" and willing to spend a bit of money I thought I'd find more.)

Ebay I find impossible... it's overrun with really dubious sellers in china selling dresses which CAN'T look that good for that price. And then when I filter to UK only I can't find anything I like. Maybe I'm way too picky.

Also what to look out for when buying second hand - what to ask the seller etc?
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Old 15-11-2014, 17:24
kaycee
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hi Jennfer and kaycee do either of you know Gary Edwards?
I've met Gary, had conversation with him and been judged by him in competition, but wouldn't say I know him personally.
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Old 15-11-2014, 17:44
kaycee
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Good places to buy second hand latin and ballroom dresses? I've borrowed some lovely dresses up until now but would quite like ones of my own. I've seen a couple that I like but I don't feel spoiled for choice (considering I'm "dancer sized" and willing to spend a bit of money I thought I'd find more.)

Ebay I find impossible... it's overrun with really dubious sellers in china selling dresses which CAN'T look that good for that price. And then when I filter to UK only I can't find anything I like. Maybe I'm way too picky.

Also what to look out for when buying second hand - what to ask the seller etc?
Personally, I wouldn't touch dresses sold on Ebay with a bargepole, but that's just my opinion. I've known a few medallist dancers who have bought them and spent a couple of hundred pound improving them with quality stones, etc.

Often people will take dresses to competitions that they want to sell, so worth keeping your eyes open there. I have even known people go up to top amateur or pro dancers and ask them directly if they can buy the dress they are wearing at that particular comp. (Most top amateurs and pros only wear their dresses a few times, and are happy to have a potential buyer lined up for the "current" dress.

When looking at a secondhand dress, the most important thing is to make sure it looks and smells spotlessly clean. Check the seams for signs of wear and tear, and ask the seller what accessories goes with it - head piece, wrist or arm bands, spare stones, etc.

When you try it on don't get tempted by something you really like but doesn't fit perfectly, because quite often dresses cannot be successfully altered. Dance around in it to make sure that everything stays where it should (if you get my meaning!!)
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Old 15-11-2014, 19:04
Jennifer_F
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Good places to buy second hand latin and ballroom dresses? I've borrowed some lovely dresses up until now but would quite like ones of my own. I've seen a couple that I like but I don't feel spoiled for choice (considering I'm "dancer sized" and willing to spend a bit of money I thought I'd find more.)

Ebay I find impossible... it's overrun with really dubious sellers in china selling dresses which CAN'T look that good for that price. And then when I filter to UK only I can't find anything I like. Maybe I'm way too picky.

Also what to look out for when buying second hand - what to ask the seller etc?
This is a huge area to cover in a few lines. Depends on the depth of your pocket really. There are always dresses up for sale and at various prices. You may be lucky and pick up ones that belong to someone who is sponsered, so these may be a little more pricey but will be in great condition. If you go to comps, there are usually ladies who sell dresses there. There are various websites that sell them, plus facebook pages advertising them. If you have time you can google to find them.
I never mind if stones are missing as you can replace, however I always look inside the dress for obvious reasons, check there are no holes, especially if there is mesh. Please do not buy from China, the quality is appalling.
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Old 15-11-2014, 20:45
Fallaway r
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I've heard amazing things about them from people at my dance school.

Is it your first ever competition completely or first ever uni one? Best of luck with it either way and ENJOY IT most of all. They are SUCH fun, especially if you have a good bunch of people with you.
Thank you so much Ellie! It is my first ever competition! I have a silver medal test in latin but had never danced ballroom before this September - I really struggle with it I have to say!

I competed when I was at uni and it was huge amounts of fun, beginner year especially. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! It's nerve-racking but you get to spend all day with your team, dancing yourself and cheering everyone else on by turns and... oh, I have so many fond memories of dance competitions at uni! Lots of dance, lots of laughter, a fair bit of sheer ridiculousness - get ready to yell and cheer as loudly as you can, particularly when you get to the team competition!. I'm actually still friends with my dance partner from first year - honestly you compete with someone for a year, you're either going to end up very good friends or not being able to stand one another.
Hi franglemand, your post has made me even more excited! We have a really nice group of people going so I'm sure it will be great fun. My dance partner is great, I'm extremely lucky because he's far better than I am and has been teaching me loads. I think it's quite rare at uni (from what I've seen) that the guy dances better than the girl - usually it's the other way round - so I'm really lucky. Did you go to the big competition in blackpool? Have you kept up with dancing?

Fallaway have a great time! I'm quite jealous actually - wish I'd done more dancing at university, had a friend who competed in the university circuit and it sounded a lot of fun
Thanks so much fawkes!
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Old 15-11-2014, 22:01
bendymixer
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Hey kaycee/ Jennifer F remember me posting on here about asking if either of you had seen Keith and judy dem? and how I remember them must be 30 years ago in exhbition dance doing routine where Keith was dressed as a guard at buckingham palace?? - Pasha and Carolines theme so close to it
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Old 15-11-2014, 22:05
Jennifer_F
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Hey kaycee/ Jennifer F remember me posting on here about asking if either of you had seen Keith and judy dem? and how I remember them must be 30 years ago in exhbition dance doing routine where Keith was dressed as a guard at buckingham palace?? - Pasha and Carolines theme so close to it
Hi Bendy, yes I recall - naughty Pasha picked the idea !! Good routine but I was not so impressed with Caroline, I was slightly disappointed. I thought she was a tad behind the beat, not quite sharp enough, she needed to pick her knees up more. Great theme though, I enjoyed the routine and Pasha !
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