North American Championship 2007

[latingal]

Hey all, this is a new competition this year in Cherry Hill NJ, July 11-15, yes? Any DF members going?

And does anybody have an idea what type of competitors this will draw (amateurs, pros, pro-ams)? Has anybody heard who might be attending?

[Katarzyna]

I know something is different about it this year, but North American Championships in cherry hill regularly happen every 2 years.... We will be there but havent talked to anyone else who will be attending. in the past some top canadians usually showed up.. and one or 2 highly ranked us couple.

[Joe]

Mmm...it's right between Mahnattan and Summer Sizzler. Not sure comping 3 weeks in a row, then a week off before Nationals is the best idea.

[NielsenE]

RIDancer and I plan to attend

[latingal]

Thanks for the info. Kat...

Is there much of a pro-am field?

[SDsalsaguy]

I know something is different about it this year, but North American Championships in cherry hill regularly happen every 2 years.... We will be there but havent talked to anyone else who will be attending. in the past some top canadians usually showed up.. and one or 2 highly ranked us couple.
The event has been purchased from the USISTD and is now owned and run by Wayne Eng, Donald Johnson, and Kaisa Kozack, and will now be an annual event like all other NDCA sanctioned events. Given the people in charge, I'm sure it'll be great!

[NielsenE]

yup, my understanding is that the event used to have two sets of titles... The "North American" titles, purchased by the three names you listed and being held at the "traditional" venue/date for the event, and the "Eastern United States" titles purchased by Mark & Dawna Nocera and Bill Morganti, I think, and moving to Boston in Februrary next week.

[Kitty]

so it is 20 bucks cheaper to dance amateur open latin than it is to dance amateur open standard. This is because they are on different nights and saturday night admission is $10 per person more than Friday night.

one more reason to consider switching to latin.

[Chris Stratton]

yup, my understanding is that the event used to have two sets of titles... The "North American" titles, purchased by the three names you listed and being held at the "traditional" venue/date for the event, and the "Eastern United States" titles purchased by Mark & Dawna Nocera and Bill Morganti, I think, and moving to Boston in Februrary next week.

No, those titles were at two different USTISTD comps. The Eastern US titles were granted for a February or early march competition, the one the Noceras bought, and were not simply an alternate set for the summer comp... somewhere I have a smooth trophy from it...

[Joe]

so it is 20 bucks cheaper to dance amateur open latin than it is to dance amateur open standard. This is because they are on different nights and saturday night admission is $10 per person more than Friday night.

one more reason to consider switching to latin.
Plus you get to touch yourself on the dance floor. ;)

[RIdancer82]

so it is 20 bucks cheaper to dance amateur open latin than it is to dance amateur open standard. This is because they are on different nights and saturday night admission is $10 per person more than Friday night.

one more reason to consider switching to latin.

It also is $10 cheaper to register for an amateur open standard 5-dance than it is to register for an amateur open smooth 4-dance..... how that made sense, I'm not sure.....

[samina]

i will be competing at this one. decided today not to do manhattan but to do this one...

[NielsenE]

what day(s) will you be there? RIDancer and I will be there on Saturday

[samina]

i'll be there on saturday as well! just earlier in the day session, before you guys. very cool, tho... will have to make plans to just hang for the rest of the day... this time i'll definitely get tickets for saturday nite ahead of time.

[samina]

neilse, i'll be doing full bronze individual standard dances, plus the bronze scholarship. one of the A division groups... not sure which pro put me in. that's on saturday.

on friday i'm doing the showdance exhibition for the first time. :gulp:

[NielsenE]

makes me wish we were driving down on friday to watch. I'm sure you'll do great the photos look amazing...

I'm getting very interested in seeing these heat lists... just perused Manhattan and was surprised to see that Open Smooth is a one couple final there.... I thought more were planning to attend Manhattan and most were passing on North American.... perhaps lots of last minute changes....

[Larinda McRaven]

I got a call the other day from organizer, Donald Johnson. He said that Comcast would be there filming on Saturday night. Should be a great evening.

[Katarzyna]

Is anyone out there willing to split a car rental with us from NY... ?

[samina]

thanks, neilse. :D :D

i'll be there satuday nite... who all will be in attendance? that's the big one to meet everyone, i know...

[NielsenE]

not us... we're heading home after our events

[samina]

no doubt there'll be another time...

[cantskiforlife]

I soooo want to go... I just called my former partner to see if she was thinking of attending/ wanted to dance it. However, I think she and about 5 other people would KILL me if I actually did.

P.S. My arm is feeling much better today. Its still numb, but I feel no pain. :)

[RIdancer82]

P.S. My arm is feeling much better today. Its still numb, but I feel no pain. :)

then would you let it stay that way for a little while instead of continuing to re-injure it every week?!?!

[Larinda McRaven]

Cantski, the goofball that he is, just tentatively learned his first real open routine, Smooth VW (without weight and connection...or as little as i could possibly try not force on him). And then in the next breath he says... "hey you wanna go dance it in Manhattan?" :shock: um...NO

[RIdancer82]

Sounds just like him...... quite stubborn and a wee bit crazy... ;)

[White Chacha]

It's so tempting to keep testing the waters though. I've even been doing that at the suggestion of my PT. But it's not serving me well. Zee foot she still hurtz. Blech. Moral of the story - don't!

[Joe]

Cantski, the goofball that he is, just tentatively learned his first real open routine, Smooth VW (without weight and connection...or as little as i could possibly try not force on him). And then in the next breath he says... "hey you wanna go dance it in Manhattan?" :shock: um...NO
Whoa. First open routine is VW? What a nut!

[reb]

From email update:

Comcast Television will be filming the Professional Events on Saturday Evening and will air over the East Coast with over 9 million viewers.
These events wil be broadcast in 3, one hour episodes in September.

Prompted by Team Match discussion here:
http://www.dance-forums.com/showthread.php?t=19019

Pro/Am Team Match - Canada vs United States

US Couples:

Yulia Bobovik & Guy Platt (MA) - Latin A (16-35)
Mark Nocera & Donna Gallinaro (MA) - Latin B (36-50)
Hayk Arshakian & Susan Miller (WI) - Latin C (51+)
Erminio Stefano & Lilian Wong (NY) - Standard A (16-35)
Dawna Nocera & Michael Otero (MA) - Standard B (36-50)
Kostadin Bidjourov & Charlotte Carey (NJ) - Standard C (51+)
Katia Kanevskaya & Rz O (NY) - Gentlemen's Open StandardCanadian couples:

Michael Melmore & Wendy Hoyos - Latin A (16- 35)
Dmitry Illyushenov & Rebecca Wong - Latin B (36-50)
Peter Smith & Shirl Harris - Latin C (51+)
Sylvain Trottier & Sylvia Nguyen - Standard A (16-35)
Wojciech Lyzwanski & Josée Dubuc - Standard B (36-50)
Alain Doucet & Beverly Moore - Standard C (51+)
Suzane Gelinas & Daniel Brunengrader - Gentlemen's Open Standard

[cantskiforlife]

Cantski, the goofball that he is, just tentatively learned his first real open routine, Smooth VW (without weight and connection...or as little as i could possibly try not force on him). And then in the next breath he says... "hey you wanna go dance it in Manhattan?" :shock: um...NO

What can I say. I am an addict. And to think that my parents tried to get me dancing about 15 years ago and after trying swing a few times, I ran in the other direction. Actually skiing just called my name too much.

Anyway, I was referring to my old routines. NO way I am going to try something that could literally take me off my feet.... However tempting it may be :) ..........Especially after BM tried to guess which dance I was doing and guess the 3 that it was NOT! Grrrr....

[NielsenE]

Haven;t attended a comp that uses AccessDance for their website before... when/if they post the heat list, which menu entry will it appear under?

I could see it being under Event Information, Schedule, Entry Forms or News but am feeling a little silly clicking though all of them several times a day... was wondering if there's a more certain place to keep checking....

[elisedance]

From email update:

Team Match - Canada vs United States
US Couples:

Yulia Bobovik & Guy Platt (MA) - Latin A (16-35)
Mark Nocera & Donna Gallinaro (MA) - Latin B (36-50)
Hayk Arshakian & Susan Miller (WI) - Latin C (51+)
Erminio Stefano & Lilian Wong (NY) - Standard A (16-35)
Dawna Nocera & Michael Otero (MA) - Standard B (36-50)
Kostadin Bidjourov & Charlotte Carey (NJ) - Standard C (51+)
Katia Kanevskaya & Rz O (NY) - Gentlemen's Open StandardCanadian couples:

Michael Melmore & Wendy Hoyos - Latin A (16- 35)
Dmitry Illyushenov & Rebecca Wong - Latin B (36-50)
Peter Smith & Shirl Harris - Latin C (51+)
Sylvain Trottier & Sylvia Nguyen - Standard A (16-35)
Wojciech Lyzwanski & Josée Dubuc - Standard B (36-50)
Alain Doucet & Beverly Moore - Standard C (51+)
Suzane Gelinas & Daniel Brunengrader - Gentlemen's Open Standard

THanks for posting this Reb - we were hoping (rather faintly, I admit) to get picked for the canadian team in standard. Alain Doucet and Beverly Moore are clear cut favorites for Standard C (they are terrific) but I can find no record of Wojciech Lyzwanski & Josée Dubuc competing as a couple. As far as my searching goes, Lyzwanski competed at the Classique de Quebec in rising star and has done pro/am previously with a different partner but I am not familiar with Josée Dubuc. Does anyone here know her?

By the way, the American team was picked by competition at the Emerald Ball whereas the Canadian one was hand picked. The organizer told me he hopes to arrange a competition in Canada for the team next year.

[reb]

Alain Doucet and Beverly Moore are clear cut favorites for Standard C (they are terrific)
With a name like Alain Doucet, a skeptic might assume that they'd be good just because of who he is - however, Beverly with most talented pros would still be a leading contender. She has been a top contender at Ohio Star Ball etc., in several styles and used to compete with Iceland's Ingvar Geirsson (who previously competed pro Latin with Leslie Spearin).

[Wildon]

With a name like Alain Doucet, a skeptic might assume that they'd be good just because of who he is - however, Beverly with most talented pros would still be a leading contender. She has been a top contender at Ohio Star Ball etc., in several styles and used to compete with Iceland's Ingvar Geirsson (who previously competed pro Latin with Leslie Spearin).

Should be a great comp. Now that I am back home in the UK, I will miss most of you, but have a friendly face in Dale Bennett to talk over old times about the NE part of the States. Have a great time at the No Americans. Cheers

[elisedance]

With a name like Alain Doucet, a skeptic might assume that they'd be good just because of who he is - however, Beverly with most talented pros would still be a leading contender. She has been a top contender at Ohio Star Ball etc., in several styles and used to compete with Iceland's Ingvar Geirsson (who previously competed pro Latin with Leslie Spearin).

We met at the Classique this year and I got to see her dance. Not only is she a fine ballroom competitor (as you say, with or without Alain - though obviously it doesn't hurt) she is also one feisty, fine lady!

I won't be at the comp PLEASE someone watch the team match and report back. I don't know if they post scores but we canadians would love to see what happens!

[Joe]

Haven;t attended a comp that uses AccessDance for their website before... when/if they post the heat list, which menu entry will it appear under?

I could see it being under Event Information, Schedule, Entry Forms or News but am feeling a little silly clicking though all of them several times a day... was wondering if there's a more certain place to keep checking....
Usually it's under Registration/Entry Forms (not all AD sites are identical).

[Katarzyna]

Still no neat list I think??

[NielsenE]

nothing yet, though today was the first day I thought it might be up given the deadline and intervening holiday..... (didn't stop me from checking since monday though :) )


I'm just hoping that smooth won't be a one-couple final....

[RIdancer82]

still though.... a one-couple final is better for smooth than a no-couple final.....

[GJB]

Heat lists are posted under Winners Circle.

[RIdancer82]

All Adult Amateur American events were scheduled for Saturday, the 14th. but now the heat list suddenly shows our heats scheduled for Sunday, the 15th! Does anyone know anything about why it was changed? I went through h*** to get the 14th off from work to compete and now they changed the day? can they do that?

[NielsenE]

well its not under the winners circle any more, but its under the entry forms page. And yes it still has us on a different day than the schedule had listed our events.... and there doesn't seem to be a way to find out who else is in the event....

[Chris Stratton]

wget is your friend...

Or peruse the drop down list for the names of likely suspects.

[NielsenE]

no likely candidates RIDancer remembered 1 out of the 3 others from the other posted page before it was removed... I'm clicking through all trying to find them now... upto the Ds.... not that its likely to matter unless the event is moved back to sat....

[NielsenE]

Yup looks like they moved four events from session 5 to session 7. Adult Championship Smooth/Rhythm Adult A/B....

Not quite sure why they've schedule it the way they have. looks like Smooth is two two-couples finals and rhythm is 2 1-couples finals... And they aren't showing them as combined heats as the start time....

While clicking though all the entries looking for competitors I can across one rather odd one.

There's a guy competing in the Adult Amateur Latin events as well as partnering several preteen ladies... Didn't think that was possible (while it would be allowed under mixed proficiency I wasn't aware that NDCA offered that)

[Joe]

Turn him in

[carmello]

Yup looks like they moved four events from session 5 to session 7. Adult Championship Smooth/Rhythm Adult A/B....

There's a guy competing in the Adult Amateur Latin events as well as partnering several preteen ladies... Didn't think that was possible (while it would be allowed under mixed proficiency I wasn't aware that NDCA offered that)

Yes these are allowed by the NDCA. They are termed Ladies Singles or Men's Singles. These were devised for the children who do not have their own amateur partner, but dance with another boy from the studio They are judged against just the other girls in the event. So it's almost like Pro/Am. except that both partners are amateurs. Philadelphia Festival had 300 or 400 of these ebntries. They are very popular especially since there is a dirth of Amateur boys, and an abundance of girls.

[reb]

Yes these are allowed by the NDCA. They are termed Ladies Singles or Men's Singles. These were devised for the children who do not have their own amateur partner, but dance with another boy from the studio They are judged against just the other girls in the event. So it's almost like Pro/Am. except that both partners are amateurs. Philadelphia Festival had 300 or 400 of these ebntries. They are very popular especially since there is a dirth of Amateur boys, and an abundance of girls.
Sounds like a fair and practical solution.

[Larinda McRaven]

I spoke with Donald, one of the organizers. I told him that the advertised schedule was not matching the heat list schedule. He looked into it and put the Smooth back on Saturday. I did not read this thread fully until just now, so I did not realize that the Rhythm stuff is contadictory also. So that is not fixed, but at least the Smooth is.

[NielsenE]

Thank you Larinda. RIDancer and I are very happy :) (We aren't in the Rhythm events so that doesn't affect us directly, though it might affect our competition in smooth as they are doing both.)

[Katarzyna]

does anyone know if there is public transportation that can get you to the venue,, still haven't figured out how to get to the comp

[cantskiforlife]

Hmm, no idea from where you are. From here, its as easy as strapping myself to the roof of RIDancer's or NielsenE's car and hoping they don't roll over..................

Now, I just hope they don't rent a car take a bus. I may be sitting on that car for a while.

[RIdancer82]

not taking my car, but.... sounds like a good idea to me.... let me know how you're feeling by the time we reach Cherry Hill....

.... and you even get a second ride on the roof on the way home ;)

[RIdancer82]

Sorry Kat, wish I could help you out, but I don't know anything about the public transportation in that area and we're dancing in different sessions, so I don't have any ideas to offer.... I'm sure there's someone else driving in from NY...

[cantskiforlife]

not taking my car, but.... sounds like a good idea to me.... let me know how you're feeling by the time we reach Cherry Hill....

.... and you even get a second ride on the roof on the way home ;)

Cherry Hill? I probably wouldn't even make it to CHESTNUT HILL. :)

[RIdancer82]

solves that problem then....

[Joe]

Yeah, you New Yorkers love your subway system, but when it comes to getting around somewhere else you're helpless. ;)

[kimV6]

Yeah, you New Yorkers love your subway system, but when it comes to getting around somewhere else you're helpless. ;)

well, to be fair, cherry hill is almost impossible to get to in a straight shot from NYC. there are only two train lines that even run down into south jersey, and they run along the shore and the pennsylvania border. thankfully i live both in central jersey and near the shore, so i can get home alright. then again, i don't know why anyone would ever want to go to south jersey. it might as well be delaware. ;)

on a side note, i think greyhound runs directly to cherry hill.

[mamboqueen]

then again, i don't know why anyone would ever want to go to south jersey. it might as well be delaware. ;)



I dunno. Cape May/Stone Harbor are quite beautiful, imo. More peaceful than most of the rest of the Jersey shore (which I also miss dearly!).

Just want to wish everyone who is competing well and good luck!

[LucyDiamond]

Just want to wish everyone who is competing well and good luck!
Ditto!

[Katarzyna]

well, to be fair, cherry hill is almost impossible to get to in a straight shot from NYC. there are only two train lines that even run down into south jersey, and they run along the shore and the pennsylvania border. thankfully i live both in central jersey and near the shore, so i can get home alright. then again, i don't know why anyone would ever want to go to south jersey. it might as well be delaware. ;)

on a side note, i think greyhound runs directly to cherry hill.
Hm, thank you. i hope we can find someone else going from NY. We have lessons in NY that morning so it will be a hectic day

[elisedance]

Hm, thank you. i hope we can find someone else going from NY. We have lessons in NY that morning so it will be a hectic day

Enough commuting reports - sounds like WCUB at 8 am. What about some dance competition results - and dont for get about the canada team match, gotta know how the Canadian couple in standard B were......

[Chris Stratton]

Yeah, you New Yorkers love your subway system, but when it comes to getting around somewhere else you're helpless. ;)

When I lived in Astoria, I used to think NJ was the wild west...

[elisedance]

Hi DFers in Cherry hill!

Anythin happenin?

Anyone going to be around for the canadian-US team match Saturday?

[GJB]

Latin
1. Max and Yulia
2. Ilya and Nadia
3. Nikolai and Tatiana
4. Gherman and Iveta
5. Jean and Irina

Standard
1. Gary and Rita
2. Gherman and Iveta

Rhythm
1. Jose and Joanna
2. Michael and Danielle

Smooth
1. JT and Tomas
2. Gunnar and Daryll

Amateur Standard
1. Igor and Anna

[etp777]

Seen the first two couples live (max and yulia at regionals, and ilya and nadia came in for coachings, was lucky enough to get a spot with her, learned a ton). Doesn't surprise me at ALL to see those two(or four, if you prefer) up there. Still leraning the top couples so other names aren't familiar to me. Not yet, anwyay, they will be. :)

[samina]

i so enjoyed this comp! a standout for me personally, as i won my first scholarship w/ a 1st in all dances (small field, but that did not matter to me in this case), and enjoyed doing a showdance for the first time. really, really nice.

[elisedance]

i so enjoyed this comp! a standout for me personally, as i won my first scholarship w/ a 1st in all dances (small field, but that did not matter to me in this case), and enjoyed doing a showdance for the first time. really, really nice.

:bouncy::bouncy:CONGRATS!!!:bouncy::bouncy:

So now you are rich can we borrow from you?

PS did you see the team match last night??

[samina]

:bouncy::bouncy:CONGRATS!!!:bouncy:

So now you are rich can we borrow from you?

PS did you see the team match last night??

richer... :sort: ... yeah. well, it ain't much, but, i figure... someone actually saw me dance & gave me money. twas very weird sensation. :rolleyes:

also, the receiving line experience was hysterically funny as i did not know the protocol at all... and when i got there & realized i was lost... i still couldn't figure out where to go & what to do. it really was very funny... truly awkward.

[samina]

oh, and yes, i saw the team match. am thinking i must've stepped out when they finished? i didn't see the award for it & don't recall who won...

had some really good dancing in it, tho...

[elisedance]

also, the receiving line experience was hysterically funny as i did not know the protocol at all... and when i got there & realized i was lost... i still couldn't figure out where to go & what to do. it really was very funny... truly awkward.

I actually know what you mean (one experience myself) - no one practices that particular series of steps with you - it really is lonely at the top!

will PM...

[samina]

yah, we joked that it was one figure we failed to go over in lessons... just didn't fathom i'd need that knowledge just yet. when they announced 2nd place and i realized it was NOT me, pro said i looked like i didn't understand that i'd won. i told him, no, i understood immediately. what you saw was total confusion and disbelief... "surely there's a mistake here...?"

lol

[GJB]

Kasia danced two numbers in the show with her new partner Vlad Pavlov. Sensual dancing. I look forward to seeing them in the future : ) And, that Danielle Wilson - what a hottie!

[GJB]

Congratulations Samina !

[NielsenE]

gayck... I've never danced so poorly in my life. I totally mind-blanked on every routine shortly after starting (and these are not new routines) nothing I could do seemed to get us back on the routines. I have no clue what happened... not looking for excuses, but would like to know what threw me off so I have some idea what to avoid in the future/ or what to practice to prepare for similar situations...

I felt so humiliated and frustrated afterwards, sigh ....

there's always the next event though... it was very nice meeting ChelD, wish I had had a chance to say more. Didn't see samina, but we got there a little later than planned and only got to see the very very end of the pro-am events (got to see some of my friends from 665 dance though)

[samina]

Congratulations Samina !

thanks, GJB! :D

[samina]

gayck... I've never danced so poorly in my life. I totally mind-blanked on every routine shortly after starting (and these are not new routines) nothing I could do seemed to get us back on the routines. I have no clue what happened... not looking for excuses, but would like to know what threw me off so I have some idea what to avoid in the future/ or what to practice to prepare for similar situations...

I felt so humiliated and frustrated afterwards, sigh ....



oh, man... so sorry to hear that, nielse. sounds like just an off-day, huh? i'm sure you'll be back stronger than ever next time... <hug>

[samina]

gayck... I've never danced so poorly in my life.

am reminded my comp video which i watched late last night after getting home... ick, ick, ick, ick, ick. way, way, way too conservative. and where was my enjoyment of it...? looked like i was waiting for something to happen.

never again. that "never again" feeling isn't pleasant, but it sure motivates change. time to make happen what i appeared to be waiting for.

[Katarzyna]

gayck... I've never danced so poorly in my life. I totally mind-blanked on every routine shortly after starting (and these are not new routines) nothing I could do seemed to get us back on the routines. I have no clue what happened... not looking for excuses, but would like to know what threw me off so I have some idea what to avoid in the future/ or what to practice to prepare for similar situations...

I felt so humiliated and frustrated afterwards, sigh ....
I share your feelings.. I can totally pretend yesterday never happened... I've never been so broken before after an event. I met some amasing people who were very supportive.. Max will have the biggest fan in me for ever

[NielsenE]

Yeah I haven't watched the video yet... not sure when I'm going to get the courage to see that disaster.... I'm getting worried though. Got to the studio to do some solo practicing and the routines were still "gone". It took about an hour to get myself to remember them. I'm not sure what happened.... feels like I "lost" a part of myself.... I don't drink, I haven't bumped my head, etc.... To tell the truth, I'm terrified....

all week I've felt "disconnected"/"disembodied"... not sure what the right word is, but that my consciousness is outside my body looking down on me, but decoupled. Everything is at arm's length/impersonal

[elisedance]

Yeah I haven't watched the video yet... not sure when I'm going to get the courage to see that disaster.... I'm getting worried though. Got to the studio to do some solo practicing and the routines were still "gone". It took about an hour to get myself to remember them. I'm not sure what happened.... feels like I "lost" a part of myself.... I don't drink, I haven't bumped my head, etc.... To tell the truth, I'm terrified....

all week I've felt "disconnected"/"disembodied"... not sure what the right word is, but that my consciousness is outside my body looking down on me, but decoupled. Everything is at arm's length/impersonal

Don't mean to scare you NE but maybe you should see a doc? It could be a symptom of a surar low or a viral infection or something - probably nothing but its best to be sure.

sorry about the comp and all - I had a very similar experience at my last comp in Montreal in the single dances - but for me a dose of sugar seemed to do the trick so by the multis I was ok.

hugs from here too....

[reb]

i so enjoyed this comp! a standout for me personally, as i won my first scholarship w/ a 1st in all dances (small field, but that did not matter to me in this case), and enjoyed doing a showdance for the first time. really, really nice.
Congratulations!:banana:

also, the receiving line experience was hysterically funny as i did not know the protocol at all... and when i got there & realized i was lost... i still couldn't figure out where to go & what to do. it really was very funny... truly awkward.

Yeah, but realizing it puts you another step ahead . . . ;)

[reb]

Kasia danced two numbers in the show with her new partner Vlad Pavlov. Sensual dancing. I look forward to seeing them in the future : )
Thanks for the report GJB.
We've had the pleasure to see them practicing :rocker:

You know where they are on the floor without looking at them - just check where the eyes of those on the sidelines are looking . . .

[dancesportgirl21]

i so enjoyed this comp! a standout for me personally, as i won my first scholarship w/ a 1st in all dances (small field, but that did not matter to me in this case), and enjoyed doing a showdance for the first time. really, really nice.

:D Congrats!! :D

[GJB]

I share your feelings.. I can totally pretend yesterday never happened... I've never been so broken before after an event. I met some amasing people who were very supportive.. Max will have the biggest fan in me for ever

I usually do very well in my lessons. One day I was totally BLAH. My teacher said "We're not robots." We all have an occasional low point. The main thing is that the overall trend is positive; that we are progressing. Kat, I enjoyed your dancing as always : )

[Katarzyna]

I usually do very well in my lessons. One day I was totally BLAH. My teacher said "We're not robots." We all have an occasional low point. The main thing is that the overall trend is positive; that we are progressing. Kat, I enjoyed your dancing as always : )
Thank you GJB!!

[NielsenE]

Concerning the event itself. from the little bit I saw, it was surprisingly less "formal" than I expected. The on-deck area was much less strict than I'm used to from non-collegiate events. I liked the music I heard. The staff were generally friendly. It would have been a little bit nicer if they had better communicated the location of the alternate changing rooms when they started tearing down the orginal ones for more dinner seating.....

At least while we were they they were seriously ahead of schedule, almost 45 minutes, I think, at times.

The only thing that was very surprising to me was that it looks like they ran a 6 judge judging panel for all of the amateur championships.

[samina]

I share your feelings.. I can totally pretend yesterday never happened... I've never been so broken before after an event. I met some amasing people who were very supportive.. Max will have the biggest fan in me for ever

i feel for ya, kat. glad you encountered great support... <hug>

[samina]

Congratulations!:banana:



Yeah, but realizing it puts you another step ahead . . . ;)

thanks, reb, and you're so right.

actually, am remembering the best part about how backwards i had the whole thing in the midst of the chaos... when i was shaking everybody's hands/kissing their cheeks, i was saying thank you rather than good job to them... had the whole protocol & purpose of the line completely reversed in my mind. horrible faux pas! :rolleyes:

[Katarzyna]

i feel for ya, kat. glad you encountered great support... <hug>
Thank you.. yes some people were wonderful..

[elisedance]

actually, am remembering the best part about how backwards i had the whole thing in the midst of the chaos... when i was shaking everybody's hands/kissing their cheeks, i was saying thank you rather than good job to them... had the whole protocol & purpose of the line completely reversed in my mind. horrible faux pas! :rolleyes:

au contraire - totally charming I am sure!!

[gingerbread]

Latin
1. Max and Yulia
2. Ilya and Nadia
3. Nikolai and Tatiana
4. Gherman and Iveta
5. Jean and Irina

Standard
1. Gary and Rita
2. Gherman and Iveta

Rhythm
1. Jose and Joanna
2. Michael and Danielle

Smooth
1. JT and Tomas
2. Gunnar and Daryll

Amateur Standard
1. Igor and Anna


remind me who Nikolai and Tatiana are (Pro Latin)? Anyone else in the Pro Standard field of interest?

[gingerbread]

Latin
1. Max and Yulia
2. Ilya and Nadia
3. Nikolai and Tatiana
4. Gherman and Iveta
5. Jean and Irina

Standard
1. Gary and Rita
2. Gherman and Iveta

Rhythm
1. Jose and Joanna
2. Michael and Danielle

Smooth
1. JT and Tomas
2. Gunnar and Daryll

Amateur Standard
1. Igor and Anna


should have said, thanks for posting results, before I asked my question. I am always grateful when someone takes the time to do this.

[Katarzyna]

should have said, thanks for posting results, before I asked my question. I am always grateful when someone takes the time to do this.
pro Standard
1. Gary and Rita
2. Gherman and Iveta
3. Lukasz and Paulina
4. ??
5. Nik and Karolina
6. Anton?? and Claudia Primou

[ChelD]

remind me who Nikolai and Tatiana are (Pro Latin)? Anyone else in the Pro Standard field of interest?

NIkolai Shpakov & Tatiana Banko

BTW, 6th in open Latin were Andre Strinadko & Olga Kinnard

[ChelD]

It was nice to meet you too NielsenE. With any luck we'll get to chat more next time and I'll get to meet RIdancer too.

[latingal]

i won my first scholarship w/ a 1st in all dances (small field, but that did not matter to me in this case), and enjoyed doing a showdance for the first time. really, really nice.

Congrats samina! Yay!

As for your dazed experience doing the kiss and hug line, I can empathize - it has already happened twice to me. I thought after the first time I'd be prepared, but nope, second time I was just as shocked as the first and was glad pro was there to make sure I stood in the right place. Keep promising myself that if it happens again to keep a clear head!

[Fouette]

6th place in pro standard is a couple from Canada - his first name is Francis or Francois or something like that.

[RIdancer82]

and I'll get to meet RIdancer too.

next time, definitely! :)

[samina]

Congrats samina! Yay!

As for your dazed experience doing the kiss and hug line, I can empathize - it has already happened twice to me. I thought after the first time I'd be prepared, but nope, second time I was just as shocked as the first and was glad pro was there to make sure I stood in the right place. Keep promising myself that if it happens again to keep a clear head!

thanks, LG. yep... i guess one can practice that sort of thing as much as anything else. glad to know it's not just me! :D

[samina]

say, anyone have a clue about where to find online photos of this event? i went to the site listed for the photography vendor -- http://www.printroom.com/ghome.asp?domain_name=adi -- and i can't find anything ballroom there.

how long does it usually take for pix to post, anyone know?

[Katarzyna]

btw, thursday and friday photos are up
http://www.printroom.com/ghome.asp?domain_name=adidance&group_id=33

[elisedance]

I take it no one watched the US/Canada team match saturday?

[RIdancer82]

say, anyone have a clue about where to find online photos of this event? i went to the site listed for the photography vendor -- http://www.printroom.com/ghome.asp?domain_name=adi -- and i can't find anything ballroom there.

how long does it usually take for pix to post, anyone know?

The link on the comp website isn't correct. We realized that you need to add "dance" to the end of the link

[samina]

The link on the comp website isn't correct. We realized that you need to add "dance" to the end of the link


aaaaaahhhh... there it is! :D

thanks RI!

[LucyDiamond]

Can someone post the correct link to the photos? I'm not understanding where to add "dance" to the link. Thanks!

[samina]

http://www.printroom.com/ghome.asp?domain_name=adidance

[latingal]

well don't keep us waiting sam....any good pics of you?

[samina]

no pics posted yet for friday -- the galleries are empty. :(

and nothing yet from saturday. anyway, i saw my vid from saturday -- horrid. don't know why the pix would be any better.

[Katarzyna]

we had bad dancing but few nice shots. but from somoene else.
http://images25.fotki.com/v946/photos/5/55537/5175448/nads07b1089email-vi.jpg
now If I only kept my eyes open that would have been nicer

[latingal]

Nice pic Kat! I prefer to think of your closed eyes as adding to the ambiance of your dance.

[Katarzyna]

Agreed could be floating in the clouds in walts or foxtrot.. not sure about not watching the floor in tango :)

[LucyDiamond]

http://www.printroom.com/ghome.asp?domain_name=adidance
Thanks! Still no pics.... :-?

[elisedance]

Lovely picture - as always Kat. Do you have any bad ones? If not we could trade.... :)

And what a dress.......

[Katarzyna]

i wouldnt post the bad one here :) I do have BAD ones.. usually in Tango..
its my dress for nationals.. even my partner likes it.. that's special I think.. typical coment about a dress if I as is " oh its grey" or "oh its yellow" sometimes i also get " its too dark"

[Kitty]

its my dress for nationals.. even my partner likes it.. that's special I think.. pypical coment about a dress if I as is " oh its grey" or "oh its yellow" sometimes i also get " its too dark"

you spoiled him

[Katarzyna]

Next time I will just wear a prom dress for a competition :) with big puffy shoulders :)

[White Chacha]

*chucle* that I'd want to see a picture of ;-)

[Katarzyna]

:) If I do it I will share.

[Katarzyna]

All the photos from sat seem to be up except for 8pm till the show

[samina]

Next time I will just wear a prom dress for a competition :) with big puffy shoulders :)

lol... good one. meh, you'd make that look good as you do the others.

[Katarzyna]

lol... good one. meh, you'd make that look good as you do the others.
not sure about that :)

[samina]

actually, what would really be horrific would a kind of 80s power-gown with intense shoulder pads... really big-big-big-big upswept hair with foofy bangs would complement the look quite nicely...

there's a senior amateur woman i've seen who wears her do something like that when she competes...

[Katarzyna]

My friend took photos from this competition on friday and saturday nights.. he posted them under www.Solvara.com (2nd and 3rd from the top).. he said he is ok with dancers to use them for personal use. If you are interested in higher resolution etc... you can contact him, he might be willing to sell them or print, not sure.. but the photos up there are already nice size to share with friends etc..

[White Chacha]

Thanks for posting that Kat. Talented photographer. And I'm envious of some comps' lighting budgets.

[Katarzyna]

I think this one was televised so lighting was very good

[mamboqueen]

My friend took photos from this competition on friday and saturday nights.. he posted them under www.Solvara.com (2nd and 3rd from the top).. he said he is ok with dancers to use them for personal use. If you are interested in higher resolution etc... you can contact him, he might be willing to sell them or print, not sure.. but the photos up there are already nice size to share with friends etc..

Yeah, those are great pictures.

[Katarzyna]

I think they are fantastic comparing to most photos from the vendors.. I wonder why people who make photos not as vendors for sale usually do a better job. not always...

[mamboqueen]

I guess you *really* think they're fantastic, eh Kat??! *LOL*

I like the outdoor shots in NYC, too.

[Katarzyna]

I guess you *really* think they're fantastic, eh Kat??! *LOL*

I like the outdoor shots in NYC, too.
For competition shots yes.. I also think the ones andrew carpenter takes are great as well.. also some other people who contributed on DF. A lot of vendor photos are just not too exciting. not sure why

[mamboqueen]

Dancebeat is reporting that "North American filmed for TV"...and then gives the schedule as:

DATE OF INITIAL TELECASTS: Episode 1 – Saturday, September 15, 9:30PM-10:30PM: Episode 2 – Saturday, September 22, 9:30PM-10:30PM: Episode 3 – Saturday, September 29, 9:30PM-10:30PM

Doesn't say if it's local or national or what station, though. Anyone know?

[ChelD]

Dancebeat is reporting that "North American filmed for TV"...and then gives the schedule as:

DATE OF INITIAL TELECASTS: Episode 1 – Saturday, September 15, 9:30PM-10:30PM: Episode 2 – Saturday, September 22, 9:30PM-10:30PM: Episode 3 – Saturday, September 29, 9:30PM-10:30PM

Doesn't say if it's local or national or what station, though. Anyone know?

It was filmed by Comcast. One of their crew told me it will be on the Comcast channel - CN8

[mamboqueen]

It was filmed by Comcast. One of their crew told me it will be on the Comcast channel - CN8

Yippeee! That's my carrier. Okay, yippee only if they show it in my area.

[elisedance]

I may be the only person interested in this here but I finally found out that the pro-am Canadian-US team match was won by the US (congrats if anyone from the team is here!). This is not posted on the web site and I had to e-mail the organizer (Wayne). I could not, however, get any of the scores.

Anyone know if the event been telecast yet?

[samina]

i think it's supposed to air in 3-4 sequences sometime in september, IIRC what was written on the flyer that night... was very enjoyable to watch the team match. strange they didn't post the results on the site...

[samina]

oh wait... there's the schedule above... MQ already posted it.

[elisedance]

i think it's supposed to air in 3-4 sequences sometime in september, IIRC what was written on the flyer that night... was very enjoyable to watch the team match. strange they didn't post the results on the site...


The organizer told me that they did not post them because they calculated the results by hand not with the computer. I presume there was some technical issue to transfering the scores into an automated web site link. I really wanted to see how the standard couples fared.

[ChaChaMama]

I just got to see some of these telecasts, as my DVR picked them up. (I could swear I saw another thread at some point about them, but haven't been able to locate it yet.) Has anyone else seen them? What did you think?

I am thrilled when any dancesport appears on TV, but I would say these were somewhat under-produced. The music and the audience are very soft compared to the commentators, which makes the event feel a little tepid. (I particularly noticed this during the latin.) Ashley (DelGrosso) Costa tells us some couples to look out for by couple number, but doesn't say why. While obviously some programs go too far with the human interest element--e.g., some of the Olympics coverage--I think people need SOME introduction to the competitors to care and figure out who they want to root for, e.g., this couple is a pair of brand-new professionals coming into the pro ranks after a highly successful amateur career and could really upset the rankings; this couple is a new partnering of two highly successful pros, but there is some question about whether they have the right chemistry together, this couple has been in the top 6 in the US for years but hasn't found the right formula to rise to the very top, etc. Even programs like the NCAA basketball tournament (men's and women's) give you a little background on each team to shape a storyline (e.g., Cinderella story team plays long-time powerhouse; team that lost a player due to injury tries to make him proud, etc.)

Occasionally, Ashley will make a useful comment like "I'd like to see more rhythm through his body" (latin) or "I really like the way she uses her head" (standard) or "That looked a little choppy" (standard), but sometimes she just says things like "Nice!" or "I used to compete against them when we were amateurs. It's nice to see them join the professional ranks."

Oh, and sometimes the camera would cut away from a couple just as Ashley started to comment on them, so it would be unclear who she was talking about. A little post-production massaging could have cleaned this up.

On the whole, I feel that the best TV coverage I've seen of dance are the old GoodLife TV programs (originally 1998-2000, I think, though they are sometimes rebroadcast...as I know thanks to Mr. DVR. They have some great latin comps and some great youth comps too, including some youthful footage of Derek Hough, Mark Ballas, Julianne Hough, and Valentin Chmerkovskiy.) They sometimes have some annoying hokey bits, where the professional dance commentator would teach the other host some basic steps, but they did get you emotionally involved in the storyline and show good dancing.

[White Chacha]

I was the one who had posted about the programs when they first were airing.

I agree about the production values but not sure I expected better. It was produced by the cable company's sports section, not exactly a media powerhouse. OK, Comcast is a media powerhouse but their production department hardly is.

I'm greatful for every shred of dancesport coverage, even the scraps. Looking forward to seeing what PBS does with OSB coverage this year. Glad for the staff change for sure.