Emerald Ball 2008!!!

[chocolatchica]

Hello again everyone! I'm getting super excited because Emerald Ball is only 4 weeks away. Anyone else going? Love cheering for fellow DF'ers! :D

[Larinda McRaven]

Wednesday to Monday....

[Larinda McRaven]

? who else ?

[tuftufwang]

I'm going too. But with great apprehension....

[SDsalsaguy]

I'll be there too.

Quick question for everyone going: who'd be willing to post in an "Emerald ball Diaries" type thread? The idea would be to have a semi-standardized format, i.e. a daily schedule, broken down by hours, that we could each fill in and post. Seemed like that might provide an interesting view of the comp as an event if there were enough willing participants.

[Laura]

I'm going. Flying in Thursday night, dancing Friday during the day, flying home Friday night. I'd be happy to participate in a diaries thread!

[guille_bdancer]

I'll be there working on Thursday and Dancing Saturday and Sunday nights. Hope to see you all there. :)

[reb]

I'll be there too.

Quick question for everyone going: who'd be willing to post in an "Emerald ball Diaries" type thread? The idea would be to have a semi-standardized format, i.e. a daily schedule, broken down by hours, that we could each fill in and post. Seemed like that might provide an interesting view of the comp as an event if there were enough willing participants.
Great idea!

[reb]

*bump*

Its remarkable how much discussion takes place here . . . I had to go back 4 pages to find this!

[hereKittyKitty]

I'll be there dancing Friday and Saturday Night.

[tbrennen]

Taba and I will be there and dancing Saturday and Sunday evenings.

[chrisjohnston]

Supershag will be doing video and result photos.


Cheers Chris

[chocolatchica]

Yay! I have to root for all you guys. I'll be on the floor Fri and Sat night running so come say hi to me :-)

[danceflower]

we might be going too....not sure yet

[Nik]

Entries sent and tickets bought.

[chocolatchica]

Looks like Nik is al handled! Lol. I hear Sat night is sold out already. I'm glad I got all my stuff. The rooms were really expensive this year though. That hurt my pocket. No new shoes this time :-(

[SDsalsaguy]

I'll be there too.

Quick question for everyone going: who'd be willing to post in an "Emerald ball Diaries" type thread? The idea would be to have a semi-standardized format, i.e. a daily schedule, broken down by hours, that we could each fill in and post. Seemed like that might provide an interesting view of the comp as an event if there were enough willing participants.
OK, finally confirmed that I will be there Thursday through Sunday.

As far as trying to do an "Emerald Ball Diaries" feature here on DF, what format do people think might be the most interesting?

[amiko]

I'll be there dancing 6 rounds back to back if we do good on Friday night. 4 or 5 rounds if I'm lucky...wheew.

[chocolatchica]

I'll be there dancing 6 rounds back to back if we do good on Friday night. 4 or 5 rounds if I'm lucky...wheew.
I'll be on the floor Friday night. What will you be wearing? I'll keep an eye out for you.

P.S. Love you grill comment! Lol.

[chocolatchica]

Anyone need a room at the the Hilton LAX (the actual hotel that the comp takes place in)? I know the rooms are sold out and I got the room 3 months ahead as part of the group but might just stay with a friend in their room (to save money for shoes). And I'd rather offer it to a fellow dancer or competitor than just cancel and it go to some business man or whoever..... It's for Friday and Saturday checkout on Sunday morning

[Laura]

I'll be on the floor Friday night. What will you be wearing? I'll keep an eye out for you.
Are you going to be running? I'll be dancing Friday Night (Pro/Am Standard Scholarship). I'll make sure I'm not shy and say HI this time. Not sure what I'll be wearing...still working on a dress....

[chocolatchica]

Are you going to be running? I'll be dancing Friday Night (Pro/Am Standard Scholarship). I'll make sure I'm not shy and say HI this time. Not sure what I'll be wearing...still working on a dress....
Yep. I'm running Friday and Saturday night :-) Hope to see you there!

[Laura]

Well, I can't quite believe it, but I finished the dress. It's a deep magenta/boysenberry pink. The skirt is three layers, all cut to different lengths, and finished with polyester braid to stiffen the edges a bit so they wave and ruffle a little. The floats are these kind of seaweedy bits that hang off my arm (I didn't have any more matching fabric to make a real float, so I had to do what I could with scraps cut off the skirt).

I still have to stone it, though. I'll start that tomorrow!

[chocolatchica]

Well, I can't quite believe it, but I finished the dress. It's a deep magenta/boysenberry pink. The skirt is three layers, all cut to different lengths, and finished with polyester braid to stiffen the edges a bit so they wave and ruffle a little. The floats are these kind of seaweedy bits that hang off my arm (I didn't have any more matching fabric to make a real float, so I had to do what I could with scraps cut off the skirt).

I still have to stone it, though. I'll start that tomorrow!
Congrats! :-) If you need any help doing final stoning at the comp let me know. I'd me more than happy to help. So now I know what color dress to look out for. Not sure what I'm going to wear yet but most likely going to black. Lol. It's very sliming so I usually stick to that. Gotta look cute for the hot dancesport guys;)

[Laura]

Oh thanks, you are so sweet! I'm going to start tomorrow and get as much done as I can over the next two days. I can do about 3 1/2 gross per hour, so I should be able to get it all done in two five hour shifts.

[chocolatchica]

Good luck! What colors are you using?

[Laura]

I don't know...I need to see what I have in the huge box of stones that I've been hoarding for the past few years. Probably different shades of pink.

[chocolatchica]

Ahhh...sounds goos. I have LOADS of Crystal AB. Lol. Works for everything and almost every color so I always stock up on that color. See you this weekend!

[reb]

getting close!

[Laura]

Dress is done and stoned except for the band on the left wrist that holds up one of my floats. Wore it in practice today and I've decided it turned out better than I initially thought it would. I'd post a picture but I've got too much to do before I get on the plane tomorrow!!!

[chocolatchica]

Dress is done and stoned except for the band on the left wrist that holds up one of my floats. Wore it in practice today and I've decided it turned out better than I initially thought it would. I'd post a picture but I've got too much to do before I get on the plane tomorrow!!!
Yay! Congrats Laura. See you on Friday :-) Don't forget to say hi as well Reb!

[reb]

Dress is done and stoned
:notworth:

[reb]

DW is tanned and looking good . . .

The fun starts tonight!

[Laura]

I just got to the hotel, waved at Larinda, and now I have to deal with my own tanning. I really hate tanning but the new dress requires it.

I also just realized that I forgot to bring my contact lenses! I can dance fine without them, but if you see me in costume without my glasses and I act like I don't see you -- it's because I don't. Come closer to me and try again :)

[chocolatchica]

Yay! When are you leaving Reb? I'll be there tomorrow and Sat. I'm packing tonight

[Laura]

DW is tanned and looking good . . .
She's always looking good!

I'm so glad to be here...gotta go shopping now. Not only did I forget my contact lenses, I also forgot tights! D'oh! Good thing I remembered my dress and dance shoes :)

[samina]

Good luck Laura! I hope you get some great pictures in your new dress!!!

Good luck to you too, reb! :)

Wish I were there to cheer you guys on...

[chocolatchica]

She's always looking good!

I'm so glad to be here...gotta go shopping now. Not only did I forget my contact lenses, I also forgot tights! D'oh! Good thing I remembered my dress and dance shoes :)
Oh you should have told me earlier! I work at a dance supply store (on and off) and get discounts on tights. They're closed now though...Bummer. Anything else you might need that I might have and be able to bring to you tomorrow?

[chocolatchica]

P.S. Any cute AFFORDABLE dance skirts or shoes??? Gotta get a practice skirt and shoes cause there's nothing in the area that sells that stuff.

[Laura]

All the vendors are inside the area that requires tickets, so I won't be able to go look until this evening.

A Latin dancer just commented on my tan, so I must be dark enough now :)

[chrisjohnston]

I believe there might also be a vendor area just inside the front door of the hotel.

Cheers Chris

[reb]

I believe there might also be a vendor area just inside the front door of the hotel.

Cheers Chris
Good to point that out - I can picture it from the past - and it wasn't obvious!

[Larinda McRaven]

I got here yesterday and spent last evening having dinner at the Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel. It was quite nice. Today I spent pretty much the afternoon shopping, napping, doing computer work, chatting with Sdsalsaguy and Dressgirl. I saw Laura, but I can't think of any other Dfers that I have talked with yet.

The ballroom is always nice here, great large floor. Vendor room was quiet today. I have to remember to go to the "second" vendor room (I always forget it is over there). Wayne and Donna and Donald are great, very gracious. And there is, as always, a good crew working the registration desk, Jan, Kasia, Becky, and Jenny. They always do a good job keeping things running.

[chrisjohnston]

Just posted first pro-am results.



http://gallery.supershag.com/g/emerald_ball_2008__thursday



Chris

[chocolatchica]

I got here yesterday and spent last evening having dinner at the Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel. It was quite nice. Today I spent pretty much the afternoon shopping, napping, doing computer work, chatting with Sdsalsaguy and Dressgirl. I saw Laura, but I can't think of any other Dfers that I have talked with yet.

The ballroom is always nice here, great large floor. Vendor room was quiet today. I have to remember to go to the "second" vendor room (I always forget it is over there). Wayne and Donna and Donald are great, very gracious. And there is, as always, a good crew working the registration desk, Jan, Kasia, Becky, and Jenny. They always do a good job keeping things running.
Sounds like your having a great time! Hope to see you tomorrow!

[chocolatchica]

Hey everyone at Emerald! I am going over tomorrow and just checking to see if anyone needs anything (bobby pins, tanner, extra shoes, ect.)

[Nik]

Open Latin on Sat Night is a HUGE comp. There are a lot of really good couples at this comp and it will be very exciting to watch.

[chocolatchica]

Open Latin on Sat Night is a HUGE comp. There are a lot of really good couples at this comp and it will be very exciting to watch.
I know! I'm super excited! You competing?? I'll be running so my seat is on the floor (which works out for me because I'm pretty short and even standing on the chairs makes it impossible to see the competitors)! Yay!

[Nik]

I'm not in the program from an error in the entering system but I am dancing for sure.

[chocolatchica]

I'm not in the program from an error in the entering system but I am dancing for sure.
Yay Nik! I'll be on the floor so I'll see you. What color are you guys wearing?
P.S. Please don't hit me while your dancing (happens a lot, more often in standard but the latin dancers can get all kunfu on me while doing paso or samba lol)

[chrisjohnston]

Pro-am Rhythm results now posted.


Cheers Chris

http://gallery.supershag.com/g/emerald_ball_2008__thursday

[Laura]

I'm not in the program from an error in the entering system but I am dancing for sure.
Saw you dance tonight...looking good in the Standard...but man, with the time zone change, how did you and the other East Coast couples ever survive? The Rising Star Standard final wasn't even danced until after 1am Pacific time!

Must sleep....

[Laura]

So I didn't really keep track of writing down results, but I do have them from the Rising Star Standard:

1) Anton Lebedev & Anna Borshch (Ontario, Canada)
2) Artem Plakhotnyi & Anastasia Kazmina (Scottsdale, Arizona)
3) Max & Lela Sinitsa (Los Angeles, California)
4) Ikaika Dowsett & Katia Afanaseva (Campbell, California)
5) Sergey Bolotnikov & Elona Bets (Rego Park, New York)
6) Nikolai Pilipenchuk & Natalia Skorikova (Baltimore, Maryland)
7) Michal Towliszew & Tiffany Fung (Hacienda Heights, California

This event started in a 13-couple Semi-Final.

[Nik]

Saw you dance tonight...looking good in the Standard...but man, with the time zone change, how did you and the other East Coast couples ever survive? The Rising Star Standard final wasn't even danced until after 1am Pacific time!

Must sleep....

Good thing I go out every night and stay up late dancing in clubs :)

But yeah everyone was falling asleep in the ballroom.

[chrisjohnston]

Well I just put the result photos up but laura beat me to it.


Chris

[Purr]

Dress is done and stoned except for the band on the left wrist that holds up one of my floats. Wore it in practice today and I've decided it turned out better than I initially thought it would. I'd post a picture but I've got too much to do before I get on the plane tomorrow!!!

Congratulations on finishing your new dress, Laura! :)

[ChaChaMama]

Congrats Nik!

Congrats danceflower!

Congrats ThreeStep!

Looking forward to more reports.

CCM

[reb]

I saw our own sdsalsaguy compete - and win - a Pro/Am salsa event. :banana:

Jonathan came out in fighting trim, :rocker: with . . . Carolina Telona! They were great. :notworth:

Last I had seen sdsalsaguy dance was in a comp a couple years ago in Open Amateur Rhythm - he was good then, but clearly better now!

I understand there will be more to the story when he takes on the rhythm field (Saturday?).

I'm just an in-n-out observer at Emerald this year, so hopefully some DFers will be there to cheer sdsalsaguy.

[chocolatchica]

I saw our own sdsalsaguy compete - and win - a Pro/Am salsa event. :banana:

Jonathan came out in fighting trim, :rocker: with . . . Carolina Telona! They were great. :notworth:

Last I had seen sdsalsaguy dance was in a comp a couple years ago in Open Amateur Rhythm - he was good then, but clearly better now!

I understand there will be more to the story when he takes on the rhythm field (Saturday?).

I'm just an in-n-out observer at Emerald this year, so hopefully some DFers will be there to cheer sdsalsaguy.
I just saw him too!

[ChaChaMama]

OMG!!! Congrats SDSalsaguy! That sounds amazing!!!

[reb]

Congrats Nik!

Congrats danceflower!

Congrats ThreeStep!

Looking forward to more reports.

CCM
ditto

and . . . Max and Lela!

[Merrylegs]

I saw our own sdsalsaguy compete - and win - a Pro/Am salsa event. :banana:

Jonathan came out in fighting trim, :rocker: with . . . Carolina Telona! They were great. :notworth:



Sweet!

[Laura]

OMG!!! Congrats SDSalsaguy! That sounds amazing!!!
I was watching him warming up all his dances, dancing on the carpet, and it looked good. What a fun time he must be having!

[gtech]

where can I find results from Friday? Supershag doesn't update it's site.

[chrisjohnston]

Just updated the site.


http://gallery.supershag.com/g/emerald_ball_2008_friday


We only have the Open Pro-am and pro results.Sorry we were eating and missed the amateur latin .

Chris

[chrisjohnston]

Also posted some RS pro video from Thursday.

http://www.dancesizzle.com/CompetitionVideo/tabid/53/Default.aspx?path=Emerald%20Ball%202008!Thursday



Chris

[chrisjohnston]

Rs Pro Latin and Rhythm now posted.

http://www.dancesizzle.com/CompetitionVideo/tabid/53/Default.aspx?path=Emerald%20Ball%202008!Friday


Chris

[Larinda McRaven]

Well tonight was just great.

The Smooth was nice to watch, still makes me anxious to be sitting...

As expected Tomas and JT won,
2nd was Mayo Alanan and Lisa Vogel.
3rd was Mikhail and Galina... and I am so IMPRESSED with this couple, she is probably the most musical girl I have see in quite a while, just beautiful to watch. And he matches her movement for movement
4th was John Selby and Irina
5th Vladamir and Vera(?)
6th Tony Scheppler and Tonja Martin

In the Latin
7th was Markus Johnson and Yuki.
6th, A big congrats to Nik for making the Pro Latin Final.
4th was Nikolai Spakov and Yanna. She is such a strong girl.
3rd was Vaidotas Skimelis & Jurga Pupelyte, 33223 I think.
2nd was Pavlo Barsuk and Anna Trebunskya 22332 (I think that was the split of dances, 2-3 anyway) , they looked like they were having fun all night.
And 1st was Ricardo and Yulia... My gosh are they amazing to watch or what. Their jive just brings tears to my eys, how weird... jive!!!

[chrisjohnston]

Pro Latin results.

http://gallery.supershag.com/scripts/expman.pl?rm=check_error_file&job_id=391687


Chris

[chrisjohnston]

Pro Smooth Results


http://gallery.supershag.com/scripts/expman.pl?rm=check_error_file&job_id=391693


Chris

[etp777]

Links are giving an invalid logon error, Chris?

[ChaChaMama]

Thank you so much for taking the time to give us the results, Larinda! You rock! And congrats to you and your students on your fantastic pro-am results this weekend.

Etp, I also had some probs with that link, but you can still get to the SuperShag results from last night if you go in through the main SuperShag page.

CONGRATULATIONS, NIK!!!!

[chrisjohnston]

http://gallery.supershag.com/g/emerald_ball_2008_saturday


Try this link for Pro results.

Chris

[ChaChaMama]

So there's a live band at Emerald Ball? Don't think I knew this, but watching Supershag's videos, it appears to be the case. (Thanks, Chris!)

[chrisjohnston]

They had a live band for the finals of Smooth and Latin.They were led by Brent mills and were actually really good.

Cheers Chris

[chrisjohnston]

Just had lunch at the Ivy.Not what I expected but the food was really good. Now at the pool at the the Mondrian. Just bimped into Jaime Fox. I think he is evan smaller than I am.Will finish off with drinks at the Thompson Beverly Hills before headind back to LAX.

Cheers Chris

[swan]

Does that mean we won't have results & video coverage for tonight? :) Love the quick results & videos! Thanks so much for providing this service!

[chrisjohnston]

I have to run the party to-night but I shall try and get the results up.Maybe I shall also get some video up by Monday morning.Pro smooth should be up to-night.

Cheers Chris

[chrisjohnston]

Now at the new London hotel.My mate Gordon is not here so I should make it back to-night.

Chris

[chocolatchica]

Oh my gosh I saw Snoop Dog at the hotel! How funny! Jamie Foxx and Snoop Dog!

[dance234]

any results from the pro events tonight?

[reb]

Just had lunch at the Ivy.Not what I expected but the food was really good. Now at the pool at the the Mondrian.

Will finish off with drinks at the Thompson Beverly Hills before headind back to LAX.

Cheers Chris

Happening places . . . !

Just bimped into Jaime Fox. I think he is evan smaller than I am.
Cheers Chris

:rolleyes:

[danceronice]

Originally Posted by chrisjohnston http://www.dance-forums.com/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.dance-forums.com/showthread.php?p=551585#post551585)
Just bimped into Jaime Fox. I think he is evan smaller than I am.
Cheers Chris


:rolleyes:

Reb, thank you for going there, so I didn't have to....

[chrisjohnston]

Open Pro-am Smooth results now posted.


http://gallery.supershag.com/g/emerald_ball_2008_sunday


Yip I had a good afternoon.Now back to the salt mines as Major Hancox used to say.

Chris

[chrisjohnston]

Pro Rhythm results.

http://gallery.supershag.com/scripts/expman.pl?rm=check_error_file&job_id=392442

Cheers Chris

[chrisjohnston]

Pro Standard results.

http://gallery.supershag.com/scripts/expman.pl?rm=check_error_file&job_id=392444


Cheers Chris

[reb]

It is so good to get these results right away - thanks Chris!

[chrisjohnston]

You know I do it just for you,Reb.

Cheers Chris

[Katarzyna]

Who was in the pro st semi?

[Laura]

http://gallery.supershag.com/scripts/expman.pl?rm=check_error_file&job_id=392444
I'm getting an "Incorrect login or password" error from this URL.

[Borbala_Bunnett]

What a wonderful weekend - congratulations to all who danced!

Chatted with Laura, Larinda, SDSalsaguy (what a salsa!!!!), saw BGuille (sp?) dance, said hello to Nik & Natasha, and that's just what I remember...

Well run comp, though the pro (and some other) events ran really late - several ended past the 1 am time... The floor was a bit sticky at the beginning but got better over time, enjoyed the vendors (almost forgot about them in the other room), the music was pretty good though I didn't care too much for the live band in some of the pro finals. Competition organizers and staff were friendly and professional as always - thanks to all for a great event!

[guille_bdancer]

What a wonderful weekend - congratulations to all who danced!

Chatted with Laura, Larinda, SDSalsaguy (what a salsa!!!!), saw BGuille (sp?) dance, said hello to Nik & Natasha, and that's just what I remember...

Well run comp, though the pro (and some other) events ran really late - several ended past the 1 am time... The floor was a bit sticky at the beginning but got better over time, enjoyed the vendors (almost forgot about them in the other room), the music was pretty good though I didn't care too much for the live band in some of the pro finals. Competition organizers and staff were friendly and professional as always - thanks to all for a great event!

I saw you dance too. :) You and Paul look very good, and keep improving. One day I'll be like you guys.

Thank you Chocolatechica, I heard you cheering for my partner and I. And thanks to Reb for your advice and Larinda for your encouragement. I had a great time and great results in both of our catgories. See you guys on the next one. ;)

[Stagekat]

http://gallery.supershag.com/g/emerald_ball_2008_saturday


Try this link for Pro results.

Chris

I got the same error, but this link is working... then if you click on "Emerald Ball 2008" at the top you can link to the other result photos!

[SDsalsaguy]

Thanks to all for the kind reviews of my first pro-am competition! I'll post a far more detailed account later, but just posted my favorite photo of my dancing from the weekend in the ballroom album. :D (Thanks Steve!!!)

[fascination]

looking good jonathan

[Laura]

Woooo, look at you looking slick!

[GJB]

How was Max and Beata's show?

[Penny Lane]

I had a great time and great results in both of our catgories. See you guys on the next one. ;)

I saw you dance on saturday night and I was so excited for your win. And then I saw you dance on Sunday night and was even more excited for your results there in the Open Amateur Smooth. Congrats! I thought you did fantastic!

Anyhow, watching all of it makes me want to get back into dancing. I was just a spectator this time around and it made me realize how much I truly do miss it. I need to find me a teacher...

[chocolatchica]

I saw you dance on saturday night and I was so excited for your win. And then I saw you dance on Sunday night and was even more excited for your results there in the Open Amateur Smooth. Congrats! I thought you did fantastic!

Anyhow, watching all of it makes me want to get back into dancing. I was just a spectator this time around and it made me realize how much I truly do miss it. I need to find me a teacher...
That's awesome! I hope you get back into it. If you need any suggestions I could help you out. Hope to see you on the floor:D

[Penny Lane]

How was Max and Beata's show?

I really enjoyed it! They did four numbers if I recall correctly. I really enjoyed Max's showmanship in the "silent film" themed number. He really knows how to get the crown interested. And the West Coast Swing was fantastic! Both Max and Beata looked hot! There was also a Paso in which Beata wore a gorgeous gown. The jive was a lot of fun too - full of energy and spunk. Beata is absolutely stunning to watch. I was sad to find out when Max and Yulia ended their dance partnership, but now seeing them both live in action with Beata and Riccardo... I am a fan of both couples now.

[chocolatchica]

I missed it :-( I checked out on Sun morning. Was considering staying but I hated my hotel. I wish I would have stayed at the Hilton. The Crowne Plaza was not worth my dollar.

[chocolatchica]

P.S. Sorry I haven't posted the pics at Emerald yet guys. My mom last my usb cord which totally sucks. I'ma stop by CVS and transfer it to a CD though because I got some great pics of the comp and some of our great DFers. So anyways they'll be posted soon :-)

[chica latina]

How was the Pro rhythm? By the videos that Supershag posted seems to have very well attendance. I'm surprised by some of the results I saw in the website...
Decho and Bree placed higher than Evgeyne and Inna..
Jackie and jesse beat Michael and Danielle (they did not placed as well in Heritage)... Matthew and Karen didn't make it to the final.. I'm waiting for that to happen, I'm a fan of theirs.
Emanuel and Julia beat Felipe & Carolina.. I think this is the 1st time..

[guille_bdancer]

I saw you dance on saturday night and I was so excited for your win. And then I saw you dance on Sunday night and was even more excited for your results there in the Open Amateur Smooth. Congrats! I thought you did fantastic!

Anyhow, watching all of it makes me want to get back into dancing. I was just a spectator this time around and it made me realize how much I truly do miss it. I need to find me a teacher...

Thank you for your support Penny. I look forward to seeing you on the floor sometime soon ;)

[jivechica]

Hi All,

I'm new to the forums so just wanted to say hi to everyone. Just got back from Emerald Ball as well - what a great competition!!!

[chocolatchica]

Hi All,

I'm new to the forums so just wanted to say hi to everyone. Just got back from Emerald Ball as well - what a great competition!!!
Hey Jivechica! Thanks for taking the pic ;)

[latingal]

Welcome to DF jivechica!

[etp777]

Heh, didn't even know Jackie and Jesse were going. I really have to talk to people at home more often. :)

[danceflower]

I really enjoyed it! They did four numbers if I recall correctly. I really enjoyed Max's showmanship in the "silent film" themed number. He really knows how to get the crown interested. And the West Coast Swing was fantastic! Both Max and Beata looked hot! There was also a Paso in which Beata wore a gorgeous gown. The jive was a lot of fun too - full of energy and spunk. Beata is absolutely stunning to watch. I was sad to find out when Max and Yulia ended their dance partnership, but now seeing them both live in action with Beata and Riccardo... I am a fan of both couples now.


Unfortunately , I missed the show. :( Does anyone know if someone videotaped them?

[SDsalsaguy]

Unfortunately , I missed the show. :( Does anyone know if someone videotaped them?
Not directed at you presonally danceflower, its just that your question raises a problem in my mind, namely does anyone realize or even care anymore that doing so is (1) entirely against NDCA rules, and (2) totally against Max & Beata's wishes?

Personally I'd love video of many of the performances I've seen, but I respect the performers enough not to essentially steal this from them. :?

[chocolatchica]

Hey everyone! So I gt the pics put on a CD (finally). Any suggestions to where would be a good place to post them? Don't have too many but would love to share them with you guys. Can I put them on the DF gallery? I am mainly asking because there are pics of me with some people and some people competing (you know who you are cause I told you) and I want to make sure they are ok with them being posted. PM me por favor :-)

[danceflower]

Not directed at you presonally danceflower, its just that your question raises a problem in my mind, namely does anyone realize or even care anymore that doing so is (1) entirely against NDCA rules, and (2) totally against Max & Beata's wishes?

Personally I'd love video of many of the performances I've seen, but I respect the performers enough not to essentially steal this from them. :?

no , i did not mean illegal taping. I am sure it was not allowed. But may be it was legally taped so you can buy a dvd later or something like that.

[chocolatchica]

no , i did not mean illegal taping. I am sure it was not allowed. But may be it was legally taped so you can buy a dvd later or something like that.
I've seen that done before so it's not such a far fetched question. Not sure about that performance in particular though. Sorry :-(

[contracheck]

Not directed at you presonally danceflower, its just that your question raises a problem in my mind, namely does anyone realize or even care anymore that doing so is (1) entirely against NDCA rules,

If not video, is it OK to take still photos? Isn't it true that only the oroganizer-approved photographers can take photos.

[Nik]

If not video, is it OK to take still photos? Isn't it true that only the oroganizer-approved photographers can take photos.

I'm pretty sure that anyone can take photos of whoever they want.

[contracheck]

I'm pretty sure that anyone can take photos of whoever they want.


Thanks, Nik, for the clarification. I seem to hear the announcement "no camera is allowed" in every competition I attend, but I may be wrong. The OSB forbids the use of flash because it evidently affects recording for TV. This means to me taking photos without the use of flash is permitted. I'll take my camera next time and take my chance.

[chocolatchica]

Thanks, Nik, for the clarification. I seem to hear the announcement "no camera is allowed" in every competition I attend, but I may be wrong. The OSB forbids the use of flash because it evidently affects recording for TV. This means to me taking photos without the use of flash is permitted. I'll take my camera next time and take my chance.
Yeah I had no problem at Emerald taking still shots and I was up on the floor by the judges and speakers. No one ever said anything to me. They did keep announcing (As they do at every comp) that video taking was not allowed so I was sure not to hold my camera up too long to make it look as though I was video taping. Sometimes if you look suspicious they will pull you aside (especially if you have a digital camera). It made it a little hard to get good shots because of that but I was ok.

[SDsalsaguy]

If not video, is it OK to take still photos? Isn't it true that only the oroganizer-approved photographers can take photos.
While its true that there are some competitions that do limit private photography, this is the exception rather than the rule. Video, on the other hand, is another story, and private videoing without explicit permission of the competition organizer (or as otherwise explicitly allowed for) is strictly prohibited at all NDCA competitions.

[contracheck]

Yeah I had no problem at Emerald taking still shots and I was up on the floor by the judges and speakers. No one ever said anything to me. They did keep announcing (As they do at every comp) that video taking was not allowed so I was sure not to hold my camera up too long to make it look as though I was video taping. Sometimes if you look suspicious they will pull you aside (especially if you have a digital camera). It made it a little hard to get good shots because of that but I was ok.

Will anyone dare to pull a professor aside and confront in public? In view of the exhorbitant price of the professionally taken photos, it is a good idea to take one's own camera. I usually spend $800 to buy photos at a competition. With such expense, I think I can buy the best camera in the market. Btw, You take great photos, which are usually better than those taken by the on-site professional photographers.

[JANATHOME]

$800.00, really? I just cant imangine that.

[Larinda McRaven]

CC, you are going to take pictures of yourself???

[Larinda McRaven]

I don't know of anyone that has ever paid 800 bucks for photos, but if you did, knock yourself out! The money spent on the photos is NOT just for the photo.. The vendor has to pay for the privledge of having a booth, shipping their equipment, they set up thier booth and they tear it down, someone to man the booth, someone to take the photos, paper to print on, they pay the hotel for the tables and the electricity, hotel accomadations, travel expenses, lost work on the day they travel. And when the photographer is there, their WHOLE attention is on their job, they do not wander off to go get coffee, chitchat in the hallway, they get very very few bathroom breaks, their wrists HURT, their feet HURT, they try to run around the floor to get to as many people as possible.

You can go right ahead and try to bring a friend or family member to be your personal paprazzi, and you are going to get soemone that wanders off when they get bored, and talks to people whenever they feel like it. Maybe they can concentrate soley on you for the 30 minutes it takes to do 10 dances. But these pro photographers are in the ballroom from 8 in the morning until often after midnight... non stop work. They deserve to get every penny they make.

[fascination]

and then they also have to put up with people who are furious with them for not getting any good pictures as if they were there to be the sole personal paparazzi for that person...sometimes it just doesn't work out...I have seen some major tantrums on that front

[Larinda McRaven]

Makes one wonder how these adults are teaching their children not to act like children...

[contracheck]

$800.00, really? I just cant imangine that.

I find it difficult to select good photos at the crowded photographer's booth, so, for the fear of missing good photos, I ask the computer people there to make one print of all photos we are in. As far as I am concerend this is not a time to be penny wise and pound foolish.

[fascination]

you can review them online later so as to avoid being foolish altogether

[star_gazer]

I always appreciate it when a photographer has done a good job and if so, I try to buy a few pictures. But the most I have ever spent is $80!

[contracheck]

you can review them online later so as to avoid being foolish altogether

This is a great idea!! Why I didn't think about it before? You've made me save a lot of money and also a lot of trouble.

[contracheck]

I always appreciate it when a photographer has done a good job and if so, I try to buy a few pictures. But the most I have ever spent is $80!

How many photos do you buy with $80? 6? 7?. I buy over a hundred prints. Whenever we go to the floor, you can see the photographer stops everything, grabs his camera and scrambles to the floor in a hurry. Then, he says we looked nice on the floor. Once I return home, I also have to have extra copies made to give to my teacher, and some selected photos are enlarged. But, I think the good days are over for the photographer now.

[fascination]

This is a great idea!! Why I didn't think about it before? You've made me save a lot of money and also a lot of trouble.
it is so much more peaceful than having to fight over the books or make a purchase under stress and when you don't have time.....I never buy my photos at the comp anymore....mainly b/c I just don't have the time

[reb]

I always appreciate it when a photographer has done a good job and if so, I try to buy a few pictures.
same here . . . :D

[star_gazer]

How many photos do you buy with $80? 6? 7?. I buy over a hundred prints.
I usually buy 2 or 3. :-(
I don't know what I would do with hundreds...

[contracheck]

I usually buy 2 or 3. :-(
I don't know what I would do with hundreds...

At least you support your competition photographers by buying hundreds of photos and be a nice freind to them like I am. Didn't you read from Larinda's post how hard they work?

[fascination]

we should probably start a thread like: how often / much purchasing of photos and videos to you do?...by golly what an idea

[reb]

What ever happened to the good old days of putting one's face on a picture of a great dancer's body . . .

:D

[etp777]

What ever happened to the good old days of putting one's face on a picture of a great dancer's body . . .

:D


:uplaugh: Now why didn't I ever think of that?

[SDsalsaguy]

Finally got around to adding a few more photos of Carolina and I to the DF photo album.

[latingal]

Lookin' good SD!

[reb]

nice avatar

[Standarddancer]

it is so much more peaceful than having to fight over the books or make a purchase under stress and when you don't have time.....I never buy my photos at the comp anymore....mainly b/c I just don't have the time

I bought some photos from Park West at their booth, I sometimes buy right at comp because usually they sell a bit more expensive online; If I have time, I try to buy at their booth.

Don't know why Park West so slow in delivering - Our event was 5/3 and I ordered photos immediately after, and now it's June I still haven't receive their photos:( I requested them to print right there, they said they can't:(

Same thing happened last Ohio star ball, I didn't receive their photos until right before Christmas:( I called them, answer was "your photos will be processed, we just have other orders before you" something like that.

anyone else experience slow processing from Park West?

[Laura]

In my experience it takes up to about eight weeks.

[Standarddancer]

In my experience it takes up to about eight weeks.

thanks Laura, this means I have to wait at least another 3 or 4 weeks for my photos from Park West:(

btw, there was another photographer DecaDancephotographer there, I order some photos from them, and they mailed withing a week:)!!!! And the photos are good quality!!! What a difference! All the photos I've posted here are from Deca, none from Park West yet.

Just wondering why they don't sell digital files like dancesportinfo, it takes much less time, much faster to email original downloads, and better quality pictures for digital files.

[Larinda McRaven]

Park West will not sell digital files because they retain the rights to the photos. You are not allowed to copy or scan them. So this cuts down on the rights infringement.

[Standarddancer]

Thanks Larinda for clarifying, but still they could improve on timely delivery. They do good job in photography and do gets a lot of orders. When they get so much business, they should hire more help to deliver photos to customers timely!

[Larinda McRaven]

I agree.

[Kitty]

could you please share a link to deca dance photography? i havent' even seen my photos yet..

[Standarddancer]

could you please share a link to deca dance photography? i havent' even seen my photos yet..

decadancephotography.com/

here you go:)

[Edit: commercial link deactivated as per DF policy --SD]

[Laura]

I received my Emerald Ball Photos from Park West yesterday.

[Standarddancer]

thanks Laura for the info:) I hope mine will come soon;)

[chocolatchica]

Will anyone dare to pull a professor aside and confront in public? In view of the exhorbitant price of the professionally taken photos, it is a good idea to take one's own camera. I usually spend $800 to buy photos at a competition. With such expense, I think I can buy the best camera in the market. Btw, You take great photos, which are usually better than those taken by the on-site professional photographers.
Let me know the if your attending any southern California comps like Embassy or something. Wouldn't mind taking some shots of you dancing and then I can send them to you online. I use a cheapy camera but apparently it takes good shots. Got some good ones of Nik and his partner at Emerald. I figure since I'm right on the floor anyways why not? I am always running the comps in my area.

[chocolatchica]

P.S. Does anyone know how to add multiple photos at one time to the DF Albums? Or is it not an option?

[Standarddancer]

Just received photos from Park West:) not too bad, they actually delivered faster than 8 weeks:) photos are good quality, always happy with the quality of their photowork...

[decaDance]

thanks Laura, this means I have to wait at least another 3 or 4 weeks for my photos from Park West:(

btw, there was another photographer DecaDancephotographer there, I order some photos from them, and they mailed withing a week:)!!!! And the photos are good quality!!! What a difference! All the photos I've posted here are from Deca, none from Park West yet.

Just wondering why they don't sell digital files like dancesportinfo, it takes much less time, much faster to email original downloads, and better quality pictures for digital files.

Thanks!
Tony from Decadance Photography

[liz]

Thanks!
Tony from Decadance Photography
Welcome to DF Tony! Great to see you here. Hugs- Liz:p