One of the major changes since we competed is the movement away from face to face moving the female nearer to opposite the male right hip
Does allow greater floor coverage but also needs greater care to avoid gaping
The original face to face did determine the essential need for stronger diaphragm contact and shaping to allow floor coverage

We do not disagree just.me being an old retiree

Yes, dancing is constantly evolving. We notice when we have had lessons with older coaches, how things are different from what the younger pro's concentrate on, and teach. More emphasis on the dynamics, movement and volume now, hopefully not at the expense of artistry
Merry Christmas, by the way, and all the best for 2016.

Likewise have a merry happy Christmas

Well I thought at times on Strictly, the ladies had their bodies too far right, even by modern day standards (taking Arunas and Katusha as the Gold standard).

The other big changes for me has been the loss of romance in the rhumber moving to a flashier almost athletic presentation

Do you mean, too far to the man's right, Ann ?

Oh yes, sorry! 😳 That was a bit misleading (I've been going through the guidance for the man's hold a lot recently and so my perspective has changed on right and left! )

Don't worry, I thought that was it
Strange as it may seem, I often think in terms of the man. When I have a particular problem in practice, I'll often dance it as man and work it back from there !
I'll have to have a look back at some of the clips of the series,. but yes it is difficult for a beginner, either too much in front of the man or too much outside, under the armpit.

If I'm asked to dance an amalgamation I have to walk it through as a lead now.. I'll see if I can find some examples.

Yes, I understand that, and do that too. When I put choreo together, it is always thought of and danced through as man.

I've just looked at some clips and can't see the problem. I thought the issue was particularly with Katie and Anton, but I think it is just a lack of contact occuring sometimes (particularly when Anton is stepping outside partner) rather than a deliberate positioning.

I'll have to have a look later, I suspect you are right as Katie would not be well practised in CBM and would not know ( or forgot) how to shape her body to get the relevant shoulder lead, and therefore keep contact.

I could also be wrong but dancing old style diaphragm to diaphragm CBM body shaping was /is led by the man

The shoulder lead was automatic when the/a major contact influence was diaphragm to diaphragm

Yes, you are correct in that it is the centres turning , - man centre to right and lady centre to right for example, but I was speaking in SCD terms as Katie would not know to do this correctly. Turning shoulders to obtain get left side lead would give the same, albeit artificial, effect.

I may have to relocate due to work and was wondering if any of you know of any good Latin and ballroom teachers in Bristol? I'd really like to carry on doing medallist competitions if I have to move...

Hi Ellie, hopefully someone can recommend a school or two. Not from the area, I personally don't know of any, but a place the size of Bristol must have a few to choose from. May be a case of looking online or perhaps local newspapers, once there.Good luck

Jennifer's advice about looking in the papers or Yellow Advertiser will certainly give you list of schools in Bristol. However, have you not thought of asking your current teachers to recommend a good school? As they so medallist competitions they will almost undoubtedly know who is there. Failing that, write to or look up online, the society, ie ISTD, etc., that you currently dance & compete for as they will also have a list.

Thank you, dancers. there seems to be a few places in the area judging by Google but it's hard to know which one I'd choose if it came to it. I have such a great relationship with my current teachers i get quite emotional thinking about leaving :'(. They're amazing teachers - really know their stuff about ballroom dancing and really inspirational, great people. The main thing (really the only thing) that's the downside of relocating is not dancing with them anymore... I dont think I'll have teachers like them again tbh.

It may seem like that now, but I'm sure you'll find other great teachers in time. There are many fabulous teachers about and perhaps if you mention this to your current teachers, they may recommend someone to try ?
I have fond memories of my very first teacher - he gave me so much confidence from the very first lesson, but years later and many teachers/coaches later, I can say that there are many lovely and knowledgeable teachers out there, and all have something a little different to offer.

Thanks jennifer, makes me feel a bit better! It's all slightly up in the air right now but i will definitely have a chat with them when i know something more solid. I guess part of it is accepting that it will be different but different doesn't mean terrible.

It won't be the same but it may be just as good. I have lessons at two schools, one more longstanding than the other. The lessons are completely different in approach and the teachers different in personality, but I love them both. Just try a few places (having checked their qualifications), make it clear what you are after: ballroom or latin bias or equal focus, and then have patience to wait for the relationship to develop since it probably won't be immediate. But as Jennifer says, there are lots of great teachers.

I think it is quite usual for dancers to get an emotional attachment to their teachers, especially if you've been with them for sometime. And we all tend to think our teachers are the best ever, and there cannot be anymore like them. But there can - you may be surprised.

When one of my teachers, who I was particularly attached to, died, I was so devastated I could only think in terms of giving up dancing altogether. But I persevered, and gradually found other teachers, who I eventually realised were, if anything, even better, and a friendship developed that has lasted many years. So keep positive.

Thank you so much... I feel slightly more positive about it. I did end up having to tell them a lot sooner than I was planning to and feel a bit emotional about it again but also hopeful for the future. Maybe I'll move away and find a dance partner finally? It's another step in the journey not the end of it.

I am having enormous trouble finding a school that's as good as my current one though. I found one place in bath that seemed pretty good but they only take couples for private lessons and generally seem not great for a partnerless dancer. Somewhere else is idta rather than istd so not sure how different it would be (and don't seem to have the same level of experience and accolades my current teachers have.) It's all so far in the future that i guess it's silly to worry too much about it now, I guess - but i like to have everything planned out!

Eliie - from your previous post I gather you are looking for an ISTD school? If so, your best bet might be to write to the ISTD direct, and tell them exactly what you are looking for, and in what are (including how far you are willing to travel if necessary). They will almost undoubtedly be able to give you suggestions. I'll PM you the address if that is any help.

Just to add, IDTA is not very different to ISTD. I took my medal exams under ISTD but am taking my teaching exams with IDTA. There are differences but not anything to worry about. Easy to transfer either way.