Capital Dancesport

[icequeen]

Today is the deadline for entries. Anybody going?

I might go, but right now I'm confused about the entry forms. Am-am has novice two-dance and pre-championship three-dance. Each novice and prechampionship then lists bronze/silver/gold. I thought that novice and prechamp levels are above syllabus levels, so how could syllabus levels fall under novice and pre-champ? Also, what's the difference between championship and scholarship (for pro-am)?

[gingerbread]

I am going. The only difference between championship and scholarship is that one gives out prize money (usually to top 3 places, a very few give a token to top 6, an even fewer give a huge amount - $1,000 at Hotlanta - to 1st place only). Having both a championship and a scholarship gives the student a chance to dance more entries or gives the professional the option of having two students who do open work each have a chance to dance. I don't know the answers to your other questions as I only do ProAm and am not well versed on Amateur syllabus matters.

[syncopationator]

Sent my entries yesterday.

[Joe]

Today is the deadline for entries. Anybody going?

I might go, but right now I'm confused about the entry forms. Am-am has novice two-dance and pre-championship three-dance. Each novice and prechampionship then lists bronze/silver/gold. I thought that novice and prechamp levels are above syllabus levels, so how could syllabus levels fall under novice and pre-champ? Also, what's the difference between championship and scholarship (for pro-am)?
Weird.

For many (if not most) unenlightened NDCA comps, amateur Novice is really just Syllabus. There is no "baby Prechamp" Novice. This form just looks wrong. What appears to be Open is listed as Prechamp, too. I think they made a huge mistake. I'd be willing to lay odds that "Amateur International Prechampionships" should really just be one level, not bronze/silver/gold. And that the "Amateur International Prechampionships" at the bottom of the form is really "Amateur International Championships."

The form looks like it was designed by a monkey.

[Nik]

I'll be there. Is there a tentative schedule up for this comp yet?

[icequeen]

I think so:
http://www.capitaldancesport.net/schedule/schedule.asp

[samina]

The form looks like it was designed by a monkey.

someone tell the comp organizer this... would like to be fly on the wall

[NielsenE]

I think comps should have an official Form Monkey position from now on :)

[Larinda McRaven]

I will be there with students....

[Joe]

Will be sorry to miss you, Larinda!

[syncopationator]

This is this week. Entries are not online yet though.

[icequeen]

This is this week. Entries are not online yet though.

Do you know when they post heat lists? I need to figure out how much work I have to miss....

[gingerbread]

Those going to Capital are going to get to see Jose Decamps and Joanna and also the debut of the new Smooth team of Michelle Officer and Kostadin Bidjourov! Very exciting, at least to me. For those who are new to ballroom, Michelle is a former US Ballroom Champion (with Ed Simon), who has decided to come back to the competition floor.

[syncopationator]

Do you know when they post heat lists? I need to figure out how much work I have to miss....

you can get a general idea by looking at the schedule. I'm only working half the day this friday so I'll be there early afternoon although I don't compete until the evening.

[GJB]

I'm planning on going Sat night.

[syncopationator]

For those who are new to ballroom, Michelle is a former US Ballroom Champion (with Ed Simon), who has decided to come back to the competition floor.

What's up with retired former champions coming back? First Julia Gorchakhova, now Michelle officer. Anyone else? Michelle last won nationals in 1996, that's 11 years ago!!! I don't know Michelle, but I wish her luck - Julia certainly could use some.

[ChaChaMama]

I might go up Friday night to watch, as amateur latin is that night. I have to be at work until 3 PM, but then I have no plans for the rest of the weekend andChaChaPapa and ChaChaChild are visiting the grandparents, so...why not?

[ChaChaMama]

Aww, man, hotel is sold out. So maybe not.

[Joe]

There are other hotels in the vicinity...

[icequeen]

Aww, man, hotel is sold out. So maybe not.

There are lots of other hotels in the area, if you're interested. Try an orbitz or travelocity search.

I just heard from the organizer that they are not posting heat lists before the comp. They do have an updated schedule list: http://www.capitaldancesport.net/schedule/schedule.asp

[GJB]

What's up with retired former champions coming back? First Julia Gorchakhova, now Michelle officer. Anyone else? Michelle last won nationals in 1996, that's 11 years ago!!! I don't know Michelle, but I wish her luck - Julia certainly could use some.

They both had partners who are older than they are. They still have some dancing left fortunately for us : )

[gingerbread]

What's up with retired former champions coming back? First Julia Gorchakhova, now Michelle officer. Anyone else? Michelle last won nationals in 1996, that's 11 years ago!!! I don't know Michelle, but I wish her luck - Julia certainly could use some.

I understand that it is a long time. And you should incude Kasia Kozak in that list. I guess they miss dancing! As simple as that. And they are not exactly old, but how it will all be received, who knows? It is indeed 11 years since Michelle and Ed won.

[gingerbread]

There are lots of other hotels in the area, if you're interested. Try an orbitz or travelocity search.

I just heard from the organizer that they are not posting heat lists before the comp. They do have an updated schedule list: http://www.capitaldancesport.net/schedule/schedule.asp

thanks for the info, the updated shedule is very helpful, although I would really like if they posted heat lists, I am still having to guess what time I am dancing.

[contracheck]

They both had partners who are older than they are. They still have some dancing left fortunately for us : )

You and I should consider turning pro, don't you agree? The world is changing rapidly, we live longer and stronger now.

[syncopationator]

I guess they miss dancing!

In Julia's case, she's finalist material, but lets face it, she didn't come back to be a finalist, she came back to win - which is not happening.

I guess we'll see this weekend where Michelle stands with the judges.

[Dance Jasmin]

In Julia's case, she's finalist material, but lets face it, she didn't come back to be a finalist, she came back to win - which is not happening.

I guess we'll see this weekend where Michelle stands with the judges.


People , please . Leave them alone to enjoy theire dancing. I also came back to pro dancing after many,many years of retirment. And I am happier then ever . It is my partner and me too - much wiser . Let them dance , let them enjoy and have fun. Why all of you are dancing ? They dance for the same reason. Champion , not champion who cares , I know Michelle doesn't - she is happy just to be dancing and they look great together.

[GJB]

People , please . Leave them alone to enjoy theire dancing. I also came back to pro dancing after many,many years of retirment. And I am happier then ever . It is my partner and me too - much wiser . Let them dance , let them enjoy and have fun. Why all of you are dancing ? They dance for the same reason. Champion , not champion who cares , I know Michelle doesn't - she is happy just to be dancing and they look great together.

Ditto !

[dance234]

Congratulations on enjoying your dancing. I doubt the opinions of some anonymous others affect your 'enjoyment,' and i daresay they won't affect the 'enjoyment' of any of the pro couples in question. I get the sentiment, but it's off the mark - what you really are saying is 'i don't care for your opinion and i want you to stop talking,' and that is a little strange.



Further, syncopationator is doubtless right about emmanuel and julia. i will be extremely surprised if they go on past Ohio or so if they don't start getting making headway against jose and joanna. and similarly, i would be extremely suprised if *that* happened. they aren't doing it for yuks - everybody knows that.

[Larinda McRaven]

Actually, speaking from a very similar place... it does really affect us. Speculation as to the personal and professional goals, making judgement calls on whether or not a couple will "make it", and predicting our "break-up date" all have PROFOUND effects on us. It is against the rules of DF to gossip, in addition to just really being in bad taste.

When I returned to competition people immediately started telling me the partnership was pointless and not going to last. How do you think that made me feel??? When I just want to go and dance because my body and mind are not done growing yet, and complete strangers said things like, "oh thats nice, but I don't see it going anywhere." or "Well we will see how long this lasts." I just wanted to dance, yet from the very beginning met negativity and criticism for my choice, it made it very very very hard to enjoy the process.

Just leave them alone to sort it out for themselves. Please.

[FeetwithaBeat]

What never ceases to amaze me is the fact that people on this board are always talking about learning and getting better and how important that is to them yet they have negativity and criticism for others (retired pros especially) who want to do the same. A dancer's life is a never ending journey towards the perfection they seek and the goals they set for themselves. Has anyone spoken directly with Julia and Emmanuel about their goals for competing? How about Michelle or Kasia? Does it really matter to anyone but them?

[SDsalsaguy]

Has anyone spoken directly with Julia and Emmanuel about their goals for competing? How about Michelle or Kasia? Does it really matter to anyone but them?
Just for the record, yes, I have spoken (if briefly) to both Julia and Kasia, but their reasons are their business unless they choose to publicize them. (As I'm sure you'd agree from the tone of your post.)

As long as it is done in a respectful manner comments and even criticisms of anyone's dancing make sense within the context of a dance discussion, but any speculations about what dancers' personal goals and motivations 'really are' or 'should be' are tacky at best and really do not have a place on DF.

[fascination]

Congratulations on enjoying your dancing. I doubt the opinions of some anonymous others affect your 'enjoyment,' and i daresay they won't affect the 'enjoyment' of any of the pro couples in question. I get the sentiment, but it's off the mark - what you really are saying is 'i don't care for your opinion and i want you to stop talking,' and that is a little strange.



Further, syncopationator is doubtless right about emmanuel and julia. i will be extremely surprised if they go on past Ohio or so if they don't start getting making headway against jose and joanna. and similarly, i would be extremely suprised if *that* happened. they aren't doing it for yuks - everybody knows that.
let me be very clear...it also isn't our place to decide that they wouldn't care about what we peons speculate upon and the notion that we are therefore entitled to speculate as we please...no one is immune. That someone has a great deal of notariety doesn't entitle us to speculate or share regardless of how much of the truth we feel we are in possession of...if a garden variety DF-er was at a comp...I would not discuss, nor would I allow it as a mod, discussion of that person's personal dynamics that I may have overheard to be shared on these boards...the dance community is small...I and many others have spent time with people at very high levels...they are people...they are vulnerable...beyond their dancing...we aren't going there

[syncopationator]

I thought the whole point of the Dance Forums was to creat discussion on a variety of dance topics. The discussion on retired dancers returning and anyone's personal opinion of that probably belongs on another thread, but it is certainly not beyond the forums. Everyone has a right to their opinion and so long as it is not in an offensive and/or derogatory manner (among other things) has a right to post that opinion on this forum.

[latingal]

As long as it is done in a respectful manner comments and even criticisms of anyone's dancing make sense within the context of a dance discussion, but any speculations about what dancers' personal goals and motivations 'really are' or 'should be' are tacky at best and really do not have a place on DF.

syncopationator...yes, I think respectful opinions are one thing, but I think here we were talking about speculating what is in the mind of others or what their motives should or should not be and attributing that thought to specific dancers who have made no public statement (as far as we know) in that regard.
As referenced in SD's comment above.

[fascination]

please read our guidelines... one can say whether or not one thinks someone should or shouldn't re-enter a field...but speculation as to why they did or the like isn't happening...if you want to talk about dancer X having a better topline than dancer Y...knock yourself out...but too often with the well known dancers catty remarks, speculation on the partnership dynamics, and personal info that shouldn't be shared leaks in...our guidelines are clear...and so is debating them...thanks

[latingal]

ummm....okay, I think we beat that horse to death.

Anyone for a discussion on Capital Dancesport?

[Larinda McRaven]

leaving for the plane right now... see everyone in a few hours.

[icequeen]

Anyone else going? I'll be there Friday night and all of Saturday.

[syncopationator]

ummm....okay, I think we beat that horse to death.

Anyone for a discussion on Capital Dancesport?

Absolutely!

Will be there tonight for RS latin and standard. Unless someone beats me to it, I'll try to post results before heading to bed.

[latingal]

Unless someone beats me to it, I'll try to post results before heading to bed.

We'll be looking forward to it!

[LucyDiamond]

Absolutely!

Will be there tonight for RS latin and standard. Unless someone beats me to it, I'll try to post results before heading to bed.
Excellent! I'm very much interested in these results. MANY THANKS in advance!!!

[contracheck]

Those going to Capital are going to get to see Jose Decamps and Joanna and also the debut of the new Smooth team of Michelle Officer and Kostadin Bidjourov! Very exciting, at least to me. For those who are new to ballroom, Michelle is a former US Ballroom Champion (with Ed Simon), who has decided to come back to the competition floor.

Dose Michelle Officer teach, and if she does, where can I find her? Speaking of teaching, does anyone know where Emillio Stefano teach?

[GJB]

Dose Michelle Officer teach, and if she does, where can I find her? Speaking of teaching, does anyone know where Emillio Stefano teach?

Michelle teaches as Dance New York. Erminio was teaching at Ballroom on Fifth; not sure where he is while the new Ballroom on Fifth is being built.

[contracheck]

Michelle teaches as Dance New York. Erminio was teaching at Ballroom on Fifth; not sure where he is while the new Ballroom on Fifth is being built.
Thanks GJB. I will be working very hard to turn pro.

[GJB]

Thanks GJB. I will be working very hard to turn pro.

Good luck!

[ChaChaMama]

Absolutely!

Will be there tonight for RS latin and standard. Unless someone beats me to it, I'll try to post results before heading to bed.

If you are willing to postpone bedtime an extra few minutes, would you also mind giving a rundown of who is listed in the program for Am Latin on Friday night and Pro Latin on Saturday? I would really appreciate it...but if the hour is late and you're too tired, I understand. (Been there!)

[syncopationator]

RS Latin

1 - Bartashevich/Chekhova
2 - Ostarek/Vratalova
3 - Sviridenico/Zubova
4 - Ilyusherov/Stytsenko
5 - Petkov/Blinova
6 - Cavallo/Fedosova

Semi-finalists: Rybeznski/Rybeznski, Samchynskyy/Besarav, Gabor/Jancusova, Saltyky/Kasiyanova.

RS Standard

1 - Abashkin/Kanevskaya
2 - Fidurski/Jileva
3 - couple 154 (not in program)
4 - Samchynskyy/Besarv
5 - Gabor/Jancusova
6 - Bartashevich/Chekhova

Semifinalists: Young/Preczewski, Bisko/Asano, Mayerle/Mayerle, Brazkho/Sorokina

[syncopationator]

If you are willing to postpone bedtime an extra few minutes, would you also mind giving a rundown of who is listed in the program for Am Latin on Friday night and Pro Latin on Saturday? I would really appreciate it...but if the hour is late and you're too tired, I understand. (Been there!)

Didn't see your post in time. Didn't get a program and did not checkout the Am Latin lineup. I glazed through the pro. From what I can remember:

Max & Julia
Ilya Ifranovo and Nadia
Sharapov and Banko
Strinadko and Kinnard
Petrigova and Senko
Bartashevich and Chekhova
I'm sure I'm missing some very good couples in there plus half the RS field.

[ChaChaMama]

Thanks so much!

[Larinda McRaven]

Ermino is currently at the new Dancesport... (34 and 6, or 36th and 5th ? I forget the address)

[Larinda McRaven]

The competition is good so far. My student won his Open Silver Championship, all dances, winninh over his wife who was second in all dances. I am sure glad I am not going to be on the plane with them heading home tomorrow! He got 5th in his Open Gold Championship, so I am very pleased, although he is sssooooo competitive 5th was definitley NOT good enough! But I thought he was excellent.

[ChaChaMama]

Terrific results, Larinda! You must be a proud teacher!

I'd love to hear further Friday night results, if anyone has the time or energy. Might go down tomorrow, though my car battery started acting funky tonight, so I'll have to see.

[IlyZislin]

Michelle teaches as Dance New York. Erminio was teaching at Ballroom on Fifth; not sure where he is while the new Ballroom on Fifth is being built.

I think he's teaches at DanceSport at the moment

[Larinda McRaven]

Just a quick update on some results...

Rhythm was won by Jose and Joanne, 2nd to Felipe and Carolina.
Standard was won by Erminio and Liene, 2nd to Linas and Ieva,
Smooth was great to watch. Eddie and Valentina won all dances. Kostadin and Michelle were second.

For those two couples I have a just a few comments. Two incredibly different approaches. Kostadin and Michelle are beautiful, but most of the choreography was slow, making them hard to find in the frenzy. Long slow elegant movements and lines were well executed, very much in keeping with the Michelle that we know and love. I just had to keep trying to find them. Eddie and Valentina had a more traditional approach. However I LOVED the fact that their choreography was very much together, always touching. Absolutely no side by side or apart work, which I feel there is way too much of in Smooth. So that made me very pleased to see. But I did notice that Valentina appeared very much at home and Eddie was seeming to hang back a bit.

Just my thoughts on the smooth. USDC will be great to sit back and observe!

[FeetwithaBeat]

Thanks for the update Larinda!!!

[icequeen]

Just got back from Capital. Exciting performances tonight. In pro latin, Max & Yulia placed first, followed by Senko & Petrigova, then Shpakov & Banko. I don't remember the rest of the results that accurately; perhaps syncopationer (who, btw, danced very well!) or someone else with a program can list them....

[ChaChaMama]

Thanks so much for the results!!! I also really enjoyed your expert commentary on the smooth division, Larinda. Speaking as a non-expert spectator :rolleyes:, I completely agree with you about the dancing apart, not-even-touching work.

I'd love to hear amateur latin and standard results too, if someone has them.

Very happy for Erminio and Liene! I believe that's something of an upset. I've always loved Erminio's dancing.

[contracheck]

I believe that's something of an upset. I've always loved Erminio's dancing.
IMHO, no one dances Tango like Erminio does. He finally has started to take off. I beleive that he won Empire, too. This is a back to back win.

[contracheck]

Just got back from Capital. Exciting performances tonight. In pro latin, Max & Yulia placed first, followed by Senko & Petrigova, then Shpakov & Banko. I don't remember the rest of the results that accurately; perhaps syncopationer (who, btw, danced very well!) or someone else with a program can list them....

Does anyone know the result of Theatre Art? My coach was in it, but gas stooped telling me anything.

[syncopationator]

Nik and Natasha won am latin - this was a very strong final.

In the pro latin: I don't remember the 4th place
Lucas and Kristina were 5th
Andre and Olga were 6th
Lydia and Alex danced the best I have ever seen them dance. They were incredible and beat out Nikolai and Tatiana 3/3/2/2/2. Interestingly both Ilya/Nadia and Gherman/Iveta were present and listed in the latin but scratched from the field. Regardless, this was a very strong field and all, including the semifinalists, came to dance tonight. It was an awesome performance from all couples.

[syncopationator]

Does anyone know the result of Theatre Art? My coach was in it, but gas stooped telling me anything.

Do you mean the pro showdance? if so, Michael Neil and Daniele Wilson were first, can't remember second, Gherman and Ivetta were 3rd - this must have been very disappointing result for them since they were US representatives to World Championships (althouth they didn't attend due to World 10-dance commitments).

[syncopationator]

don't remember the rest of the results that accurately; perhaps syncopationer (who, btw, danced very well!) or someone else with a program can list them....

Thanks! you guys looked great too.

[Katarzyna]

Any ideas about AM ballroom

[syncopationator]

Any ideas about AM ballroom

Igor Mikoshuv and Anna Demidova won the am standard.

[contracheck]

Do you mean the pro showdance? if so, Michael Neil and Daniele Wilson were first, can't remember second, Gherman and Ivetta were 3rd - this must have been very disappointing result for them since they were US representatives to World Championships (althouth they didn't attend due to World 10-dance commitments).

Thanks. On the basis of what you posted, I was able to find my coach in Alliance's line-up photo in Pro Showdance category. From this photo, I could also guess that the 2nd place belonged to the Talonas. In this photo, however, the 1st place belonged to the Gheckmans, unless I looked in a wrong category.

[syncopationator]

speaking of showdances, Max and Yulia's Matrix showdance during the closing ceremony on saturday night was fantastic.

[Kitty]

Igor Mikoshuv and Anna Demidova won the am standard.

what were the other placements? What other couples danced!


Wow! a great result for Erminio and Liene!

[syncopationator]

what were the other placements? What other couples danced?

I believe there were only 3 or 4 couples in this event. Not well attended at all compared to the am latin which was a semi-final.

[Ithink]

From the description of the 2nd place couple I heard by someone who was there (I wasn't), I tend to think it was Yulia Blagova and her new partner in 2nd...

[gingerbread]

Thanks. On the basis of what you posted, I was able to find my coach in Alliance's line-up photo in Pro Showdance category. From this photo, I could also guess that the 2nd place belonged to the Talonas. In this photo, however, the 1st place belonged to the Gheckmans, unless I looked in a wrong category.

Neither Gekhmans nor Telonas did their showdance. Second were a couple doing lots of lifts.

[gingerbread]

what were the other placements? What other couples danced!


Wow! a great result for Erminio and Liene!

Erminio and Liene were on fire.

[gingerbread]

Nik and Natasha won am latin - this was a very strong final.

In the pro latin: I don't remember the 4th place
Lucas and Kristina were 5th
Andre and Olga were 6th
Lydia and Alex danced the best I have ever seen them dance. They were incredible and beat out Nikolai and Tatiana 3/3/2/2/2. Interestingly both Ilya/Nadia and Gherman/Iveta were present and listed in the latin but scratched from the field. Regardless, this was a very strong field and all, including the semifinalists, came to dance tonight. It was an awesome performance from all couples.

Iveta and Gherman had to choose between doing Latin or Standard, it wasn't a question or "scratching". I think that Lucas and Kristina were 4th.

[contracheck]

Neither Gekhmans nor Telonas did their showdance. Secon were a couple doing lots of lifts, not memorable (to me). I would have placed Iveta and Gherman first, no contest; it was beautifully danced.
Thanks Gingerbread. I am Sorry, I was looking at the photos of Capital 2006 at Alliance Website; I saw my coach standing there at the Award ceremony, so I assumed that the photos were those of the current year.

[gingerbread]

I think I got the Pro Latin wrong. I know that Tina and Plamen were in there somewhere, but I can't remember if tney were ahead of Kristina and Lucas.

[Kitty]

Erminio and Liene were on fire.

They ARE fire:-)

[syncopationator]

Iveta and Gherman had to choose between doing Latin or Standard, it wasn't a question or "scratching". I think that Lucas and Kristina were 4th.

When you say "had to choose", do you mean this was a personal decision or were they forced to choose?

And I apologize, I should have written "did not dance" rather than "scratching". That could be interpreted the wrong way.

[K_8ie]

Anyone knows amateur latin results and where i can get the photos?

[syncopationator]

Anyone knows amateur latin results and where i can get the photos?

Park West Photography and ADI Images were both there.

[contracheck]

Park West Photography and ADI Images were both there.

As of this writing, Park West posted photos through Saturday. From these photos, I was finally able to find out my coach's placement in Professional Show Dance. I went through a hell to find out her result. Does anyone know why Capital does not post the Heat List and the Results?

[syncopationator]

As of this writing, Park West posted photos through Saturday. From these photos, I was finally able to find out my coach's placement in Professional Show Dance. I went through a hell to find out her result. Does anyone know why Capital does not post the Heat List and the Results?

Results are up

If you go to the "Cool Stuff" tab on the website.

[contracheck]

Results are up

If you go to the "Cool Stuff" tab on the website.
Thanks. A perfect case of squeeky wheels getting the oil: well worth complaning. Isn't it starnge that the organizer is slower than the photographers in posting the results?

[syncopationator]

Thanks. A perfect case of squeeky wheels getting the oil: well worth complaning. Isn't it starnge that the organizer is slower than the photographers in posting the results?

some comps don't post results at all.

[contracheck]

some comps don't post results at all.
I know, another one is American Star Ball. I've noticed that attendences in these competitions are getting smaller each yr.

[Joe]

Why didn't Pasha and Inna dance Standard?

[Nik]

Why didn't Pasha and Inna dance Standard?

They told me that they did not practice standard after nationals and worked a lot on Latin.