Hotlanta 2008

[Larinda McRaven]

Who's going?

[Laura]

Thought about it, but not this year. Some day! Have fun y'all!

[fascination]

me neither...very bummed...maybe next year

[hereKittyKitty]

We'll be there spectating.

[liz]

maybe,,, going still not for sure.

[syncopationator]

Hell yeah I'm going!

[chica latina]

We will be there as well!!

[Josh]

See ya there...

[wooh]

Will probably come spectate a bit if I'm not working that weekend.:)

[fascination]

really going to miss this comp...not in the budget this year...FP and I went the past two years in a row and it was a great comp for us...good results, lots of fun...nice area...cherished memories for me....I really love hotlanta

[wooh]

I should add, I'll probably spectate if I'm not working AND I can find gas to get there.:( Stupid gas shortage!

[Josh]

I'll come pick you up if need be! :-)

[wooh]

I'll come pick you up if need be! :-)
:)
Can you take me to work this week too? I can get to work and home and to work, getting home that next day will be iffy though. Maybe I'll put your number on speed dial instead of AAA?:raisebro:

[danceronice]

Not this year (but I do need to finish stoning a dress for someone who is going!)

[jump'n'jive]

i will be there friday and saturday only. student is dancing the rising star part of hotlanta and is on the east vs west smooth team

[cantskiforlife]

I will be there as well. Still pondering what to do for flights home.

[Natalka]

I'll be there too...just dancing Standard on Friday:)))
No Rhythm this time...

[anp73ga31]

I'll be there dancing standard friday morning.

[NURDRMS]

I'm going!!!!

[cindymoose]

will be there, working not dancing

[fascination]

welcome to Df cindy

[cindymoose]

welcome to Df cindy

Thanks bunches, even if the welcome is somewhat belated. I'm proud to have been a member since 2003, just don't post very often. I should be welcoming you! And thanking you; it can't be easy keeping up with all these posts. ;-) Truly a labor of love...

[cantskiforlife]

Finally booked tickets. Boy do prices jump each week. I am bringing my camera so if anyone wants photos let me know. This is my first time at this comp and I am getting excited!!!

[Natalka]

Finally booked tickets. Boy do prices jump each week. I am bringing my camera so if anyone wants photos let me know. This is my first time at this comp and I am getting excited!!!

ME!!! ME!!!! ME!!!!...I want pictures!!!:bouncy:
But, I think you will be busy dancing around the time I am unfortunately....
bummer!
:(
Looking forward to seeing you soon!
BTW, I have some pics of you posted now in my Photo Gallery on my website...
Pic is up of us with Samina, etc... you dancing...:rocker:

[liz]

Natalka, no rhythm,, guess we will miss eachother this time. I come back home on Thursday.... good luck on the standard.

[Natalka]

Natalka, no rhythm,, guess we will miss eachother this time. I come back home on Thursday.... good luck on the standard.

Oh no! Bummer that I won't get to see you!:(
I guess I will see you at Ohio then??

[wooh]

Poo, realized that's my weekend to work, so no spectating for me.:(

[Larinda McRaven]

poo...

[liz]

Still not sure if I am going to Ohio or not. Will see how Hotlanta goes. We have redone some of my material since usdsc.. I have a new hot latin fringe dress, and I have a new short blonde hair do... Hoping things will work better for me at Hotlanta than USDSC... Fingers crossed.... SO, we will see.

[mamboqueen]

Still not sure if I am going to Ohio or not. Will see how Hotlanta goes. We have redone some of my material since usdsc.. I have a new hot latin fringe dress, and I have a new short blonde hair do... Hoping things will work better for me at Hotlanta than USDSC... Fingers crossed.... SO, we will see.

What??? You gave up the red so soon????

[liz]

Everyone gave me a hard time about it... No one knew it was me. Not the best thing when at a comp and no one recognizes you...

[syncopationator]

This is next week!!!

Does anyone know if they will put the heat lists up?

[NURDRMS]

I've been checking for the lists, too. I've never participated in this particular comp before, but it seems a little disorganized. My folks have been trying to get spectator tickets for weeks but have been having difficulty.

[dancepro]

All the best to all of you. Dance your best;)

Dancepro

[ChelD]

I'll be there dancing but NOT working! Whatever will I do with all the extra time? (Besides cheering for all the DFr's of course) 1st time in 1 1/2 years that I am going to a comp where I am not working. I can't wait. I'll be there Wed - Sun, dancing Thurs. Hope to see you all there.

Chel

[fascination]

enjoy chel...sadly this will be a year off of hotlanta for me...very bummed...but it is one of my favorites and I plan to go next year if at all possible

[liz]

getting ready to go..,. not long now.

[ChelD]

thanks Fasc. Sorry that you won't be there too. See you in Ohio?

[fascination]

yep...

[ChelD]

WOW! if I counted right there are 33 couples in the closed smooth scholarship! Should be .... fun?

[Josh]

Yes indeed ChelD! I counted 34 in smooth and 28 in standard. Remember there are no separate bronze/silver/gold/etc, for closed there's only one bronze/silver combined closed event. Hence the large number of couples...

[liz]

how did you find out how many are in your events? Did you go and look at everyone individually?

[fascination]

want to also give a kudo to eddie...I had booked rooms for this comp in the Spring and then when I switched pros we had cancelled them over the summer, yet somehow when eddie got the room list we were still listed as having those rooms reserved...he called me the day before the deadline to let me know which saved me alot or money or at least a very large headache...another reason why I hope to go back next year

[fascination]

:(just wish I could use my jillions of dollars worth of vouchers from last year that are now going to go to waste

[gingerbread]

RESULTS, folks, RESULTS!

[chrisjohnston]

Supershag will be doing results and video

[Josh]

how did you find out how many are in your events? Did you go and look at everyone individually?

If you look at your heat list page, go to View--->Source and in the VERY large html file that will open in your text editor, do a Find and type "Heat XYZ". However many times it finds that phrase, divide that in half, and that's how many couples there are in that heat!

[ChelD]

If you look at your heat list page, go to View--->Source and in the VERY large html file that will open in your text editor, do a Find and type "Heat XYZ". However many times it finds that phrase, divide that in half, and that's how many couples there are in that heat!

Yep, that's how you do it. Although, of course, I looked at all the names to see who was in the heat too.

[Nik]

It'll be my first time at this comp.

[Josh]

Awesome Nik, look forward to seeing you there!

[NURDRMS]

how do I get to the heat list page? Have been looking but don't see a link!

[ChelD]

If you go to this address, you will see the link for the 2008 heat list
http://www.hotlantadance.com/default2008.htm

[Josh]

Yep, that's how you do it. Although, of course, I looked at all the names to see who was in the heat too.

Ooh sneaky sneaky ;-)

[wooh]

It seems like you shouldn't have to hack into html code to find out how many people are in your heat. Just seems like all the comp management programs should be a bit more user friendly.

[Larinda McRaven]

yeah.... :(

[NURDRMS]

If you go to this address, you will see the link for the 2008 heat list
http://www.hotlantadance.com/default2008.htm

Got it...thanks.

[skipper]

Perhaps this is a really STUPID question---but WHY would you want to know who is in your heat? Seems to me it would cause more stress/concern!

[ChelD]

Perhaps this is a really STUPID question---but WHY would you want to know who is in your heat? Seems to me it would cause more stress/concern!

Not for me, I look forward to seeing my dance aquaintances and friends from all over and am happy when I see that they will be there.

I neither give up nor stop trying if I think someone who is a better dancer than I is in my heat. Fortunately for me, I am able to do this without stressing about it. My dancing is what it is at the time. If they are better dancers that day (or even always), then good for them. The fact that they are or are not there doesn't make me a better/worse dancer even if it changes the results. What is important to me is how my dancing compares with my own dancing the last time.

Besides, it isn't like one won't see who is in the heat when it is time to dance. If I were the kind to get stressed over it, I wouldn't want to be surprised at the last minute.

[cantskiforlife]

Well folks, it is time to switch into comp mode. That means its time to think about packing. :)

For those of you who have no need to ship luggage underneath the airplane, how do you travel with hairspray, etc...? This is the ONLY item that I usually need to ship and I have found its is usually cheaper to buy a container once I am there.

Oh and if anyone besides the wonderful Natalka wants photos, just let me know. I'll be around wednesday evening until friday evening.

[Natalka]

Well folks, it is time to switch into comp mode. That means its time to think about packing. :)

For those of you who have no need to ship luggage underneath the airplane, how do you travel with hairspray, etc...? This is the ONLY item that I usually need to ship and I have found its is usually cheaper to buy a container once I am there.

Oh and if anyone besides the wonderful Natalka wants photos, just let me know. I'll be around wednesday evening until friday evening.

Dearest Cantski...thank you for the compliment:)
I'm starting to pack & I am excited to go! Hotlanta is a great comp. See you soon.
I'd advise just buying your hairspray there if you can. But, also, try to find out if you can buy your skin care items, etc...in little travel packets. For instance, Ponds makes facial cleansing towellettes that you don't have to put into your "quart" sized ziploc, leaving more room for items that can't be purchased that way, like hairspray...
;)
Natalka

[Josh]

For those of you who have no need to ship luggage underneath the airplane, how do you travel with hairspray, etc...? This is the ONLY item that I usually need to ship and I have found its is usually cheaper to buy a container once I am there.

Oh and if anyone besides the wonderful Natalka wants photos, just let me know. I'll be around wednesday evening until friday evening.

I usually bite the bullet and check one bag with stuff like hairspray that I can't take on board, my pillow, and all that other stuff that can be replaced.

I would love some pictures, thursday and friday especially, will hook up with you at the comp!

[Merrylegs]

Good luck to everyone dancing.

[Larinda McRaven]

Well with as many costumes as I have to travel with... three different dance shoes... and a weeks worth of day and evening clothes... enough cosmetics and hair stuff for three different styles.... there is no way to not check at least two bags.

[fascination]

drive my friends, drive

[Standarddancer]

I always check the bag with hair spray too.

good luck with everyone competing:)

[Josh]

Well with as many costumes as I have to travel with... three different dance shoes... and a weeks worth of day and evening clothes... enough cosmetics and hair stuff for three different styles.... there is no way to not check at least two bags.

How many costumes do you carry L? I pack at the very least costumes (about 5 shirts, tails, smooth suit, latin pants) and shoes. Any extra room I have left over I use, but all my evening stuff is checked--if I lost that stuff I'd be out quite a few hundred dollars, but I'd be out a few thousand even if I only lost my suits. Basically, I MUST take with me physically (in some fashion, even if very creative) dance clothing which for all intents and purposes can't be replaced, and shoes which must be worn at the event (ok, and underwear/socks, because I'm picky about those, and because I can pack them into my shoes to save space).

[Larinda McRaven]

I check everything and only carry my computer. After years and years of lugging around a heavy heavy carryon bag full of gowns and shoes, you just kinda get over the fear of loosing things. I would rather preserve my back and shoulders. It is just oo heavy to drag around an airport.

Anyway there is nothing that I cannot borrow when I get there, excpet maybe shoes, but I always am in need of new pair anyway.

[liz]

Well folks, it is time to switch into comp mode. That means its time to think about packing. :)

For those of you who have no need to ship luggage underneath the airplane, how do you travel with hairspray, etc...? This is the ONLY item that I usually need to ship and I have found its is usually cheaper to buy a container once I am there.

Oh and if anyone besides the wonderful Natalka wants photos, just let me know. I'll be around wednesday evening until friday evening.
ME ME ME!!! I want pictures. I will be doing the rhythm scholarship wed. Nightt.. Please say hi... I have short blonde hair now and will be wearing a orange fringe dress.

[anp73ga31]

28 couples in the standard closed championship round?! thats more than a quarter final!!! bummer! I'm all about having lots of competition, but this is a little much....

guess at this point I'll be happy if I make the second round... :(

[Larinda McRaven]

heading out now to fly.... see you there!

[anp73ga31]

ok, hmm. there must be a difference in the standard closed scholarship and the standard closed 3 dance challenge. my 3 dance challenge is heat 631 and the scholarship seems to be heat 630. whew! looks like i may have escaped the 28 couples after all! was going to question pro as to why he put me in the challenge instead of the scholarship, but now I think I'm ok with it! couldnt get to the final anyway with 28 couples and me dancing bronze against silver dancers!

dont know if its my eMac or my lack of computer skills, but I cant get the find thing to work with regards to figuring out who all is in my heats. oh well...no biggie.

[fascination]

challenge probably means championship not scholarship...and the age and gender limitations might vary...also, if he has as many students as he did last year there may be a host of reasons why

[syncopationator]

28 couples in the standard closed championship round?! thats more than a quarter final!!! bummer! I'm all about having lots of competition, but this is a little much....

guess at this point I'll be happy if I make the second round... :(

anyone know what the closed latin and closed Int'l 6-dance looks like?

I decided to skip the closed standard this time (sorry Cantski) to focus on the latin.

[Josh]

challenge probably means championship not scholarship...and the age and gender limitations might vary...also, if he has as many students as he did last year there may be a host of reasons why

Yes as usual, "challenge" means "scholarship with no prize money, and age category restrictions"...

[Josh]

ok, hmm. there must be a difference in the standard closed scholarship and the standard closed 3 dance challenge. my 3 dance challenge is heat 631 and the scholarship seems to be heat 630. whew! looks like i may have escaped the 28 couples after all! was going to question pro as to why he put me in the challenge instead of the scholarship, but now I think I'm ok with it! couldnt get to the final anyway with 28 couples and me dancing bronze against silver dancers!

dont know if its my eMac or my lack of computer skills, but I cant get the find thing to work with regards to figuring out who all is in my heats. oh well...no biggie.

I picked up the program tonight, and you're in a 4-couple heat--I'm in that heat as well, and I'm dancing with a bronze-level standard girl there, so don't worry, you won't be the only one doing bronze figures :-) (though I hope she does them well!) Larinda is also in that heat (with cantski I think?), as is syncopationer's pro with another guy. It'll be like a little DF meeting on the floor :-)

[Joe]

drive my friends, drive
OK, John Madden...

[anp73ga31]

I picked up the program tonight, and you're in a 4-couple heat--I'm in that heat as well, and I'm dancing with a bronze-level standard girl there, so don't worry, you won't be the only one doing bronze figures :-) (though I hope she does them well!) Larinda is also in that heat (with cantski I think?), as is syncopationer's pro with another guy. It'll be like a little DF meeting on the floor :-)

Cool! Looking forward to it (I dont think I've met Larinda in person before, so that makes it extra cool!)! But in my defense I have to tell you guys that in practice I am soooo much better than I will be out there friday afternoon. Am looking forward to the day when smiling comes naturally and I can wrap my brains around my routines enough to where I dont have to worry about screwing up my feet and can instead focus on my topline and make it pretty!! ***feels anxiety coming on and goes to get some zanex (which I can tell is going to become a pre-comp routine since it totally helped me not to freak out at my last practice before the comp last night)***

[anp73ga31]

Yes as usual, "challenge" means "scholarship with no prize money, and age category restrictions"...

That makes sense(thanks for the answer to my dumb question)...and it works for me....there were less couples competing at the Atlanta Open so it was easy to get money there from a scholarship round (only 7 couples competing!) whereas there is no chance in he** I'd even get close to getting 1st thru 6th at Hotlanta! lol! And I'd rather not attempt to dance against 28 couples to try to get picked for the next round anyway. lol! Would totally freak me out. So far I've been on a half floor with 4 couples and a full floor with 7 couples, but thats about it.

[anp73ga31]

I picked up the program tonight, and you're in a 4-couple heat--I'm in that heat as well, and I'm dancing with a bronze-level standard girl there, so don't worry, you won't be the only one doing bronze figures :-) (though I hope she does them well!) Larinda is also in that heat (with cantski I think?), as is syncopationer's pro with another guy. It'll be like a little DF meeting on the floor :-)

I never expect to come in first but in a multi level heat such as this one I will go ahead and call it as me coming in 4th. Because I've seen your girls dance and they are really good! Wouldnt mind losing to you anyway because I love your attitude and if I wasnt happy with my pro I'd definitely be taking lessons from you. Besides, after having had to sit out comps from the time I first got the bug (torture!), I consider me just being able to go out there and participate as winning, so other than that any good results are just icing on the cake. :D

Now that i've sufficiently buttered you up (LOL), could I convince you to let me know a little about my other heats? I'm just dancing in 500, 503, 512, 514 and 515. I dont want to know names, just how many I'm dancing against. Thanks! (if you dont have your program with you and you cant tell, that's no problem either)

[syncopationator]

I picked up the program tonight

So can you tell me how many in the latin scholarship???

Larinda is also in that heat (with cantski I think?), as is syncopationer's pro with another guy. It'll be like a little DF meeting on the floor :-)

I'll be cheering you guys on!!!

[Josh]

anp73- Give yourself a little more credit! Go out there and do your best! I think it's never a good idea to expect to win, but even a worse idea to expect to lose! You'll do great.

In all your heats, it's you and one other couple.

syncopationer, 22 couples in the closed bronze/silver Latin scholarship (heat 1001)

[syncopationator]

syncopationer, 22 couples in the closed bronze/silver Latin scholarship (heat 1001)

Thanks!

[fascination]

sulking...dang...wanna go

[wooh]

I wanna go see my buddies, and will be sooooo close.:( Stupid sick people.:p

[chas27]

sulking...dang...wanna go

me too...i'm stuck in a hotel room in Raleigh, NC. (here for work through Friday)...but at least I'll be back in Atlanta Friday and Saturday :)

[chrisjohnston]

First results now posted.

http://gallery.supershag.com/g/hotlanta_dance_challenge_2008_wednesday

Chris

[anp73ga31]

anp73- In all your heats, it's you and one other couple.

That would be Ben Ermis and his student Kayla Irvin. She's a former beauty queen (gorgeous) and a great dancer. She beat me every time in May. Oh well, I for one am ok with losing if it means losing to Ben Ermis! I just think its cool to BE on the floor with Ben Ermis! :D

I've decided I'm just going to go out there and have fun at Hotlanta. I'll be sparkling with oodles of rhinstones and I'll be waltzing with a fabulous pro on a FULL floor with only one other couple. What could get better than that?! :D

Thanks, Josh for the info!

(I will be at the hotel tonight with my sister a/k/a my makeup and hair person, as well as my mom so if I see any DFers I'm warning you guys in advance that I'm coming up to say "hi"!!)

[chrisjohnston]

All Pro-am rhythm results now posted.

http://gallery.supershag.com/g/hotlanta_dance_challenge_2008


Chris

[Merrylegs]

That would be Ben Ermis and his student Kayla Irvin. She's a former beauty queen (gorgeous) and a great dancer. She beat me every time in May. Oh well, I for one am ok with losing if it means losing to Ben Ermis! I just think its cool to BE on the floor with Ben Ermis! :D



When I have competed against top Pros and their students I am always happy with 2nd (or 3rd) place as I see it as a win for me.

Have fun out there!

[liz]

Just got back home. So, tired..Had a great time.. good to see everyone.

[liz]

me too...i'm stuck in a hotel room in Raleigh, NC. (here for work through Friday)...but at least I'll be back in Atlanta Friday and Saturday :)
Hey Chas!!!! didn't know that you were on DF!!! Missed seeing you at the comp. Hugs.:p

[liz]

Larinda, so nice to meet you in person.. You are a sweetheart...Josh, great to see you again...Gonna put those pictures on here that I was telling you about.Chris, you and your girls were rocking as always. It is always a pleasure to share the floor with your girls. They are amazing.

[cantskiforlife]

Ugh, I hate having to pay for internet. :( --> Gave in though.

So far the comp has been awesome. I've been seeing tons of familiar faces. Met Josh. And have been shooting lots of photos and dancing up a storm. One more round to go tonight (9:00 Open smooth pro-am scholarship).

Hopefully I'll be online afterwards to post more.

[chrisjohnston]

Thanks Liz,liked the hair.Should have the rhythm video up later.


Chris

[chrisjohnston]

Smooth results now posted.


http://gallery.supershag.com/g/hotlanta_dance_challenge_2008_thursday


Chris

[elisedance]

Ugh, I hate having to pay for internet. :( --> Gave in though.

So far the comp has been awesome. I've been seeing tons of familiar faces. Met Josh. And have been shooting lots of photos and dancing up a storm. One more round to go tonight (9:00 Open smooth pro-am scholarship).

Hopefully I'll be online afterwards to post more.

How did it go CSFL??

[syncopationator]

Ugh, I hate having to pay for internet. :( --> Gave in though.

Dude... internet is free in the ballroom and lobby!!!

I'm in the ballroom now doing some work. My heats are not until after 1pm. Its just you and I in the open silver standard singles. I'll happily take 2nd to you in those... too bad you don't do latin cause I'd love to kick your a$$ in something...

[liz]

Thanks Chris... I have been trying to find the right look for the past few months. Think this one is a keeper.

[cantskiforlife]

Yeah - Just found out about internet now.... As I am leaving. Le Sigh. I am going to have to complain to the hotel before I leave. They told me it was not.

I did ok. 3rd in open smooth and 3rd in closed standard.

[Amazingfeet]

Great job, cantskiforlife! You staying till tomorrow to watch the professional events?

[chrisjohnston]

All Friday afternoon results posted.

http://gallery.supershag.com/g/hotlanta_dance_challenge_2008_friday

Chris

[elisedance]

Yeah - Just found out about internet now.... As I am leaving. Le Sigh. I am going to have to complain to the hotel before I leave. They told me it was not.

I did ok. 3rd in open smooth and 3rd in closed standard.

:applause: Sounds way, way better than OK!! Congrats!! :applause:

[fascination]

sure sign of a committed dancer....one who defines 3rd as "not bad" at a large comp...meh...how do you feel you danced cantski?

[mamboqueen]

Looks like Natalka took first in her standard event - you go girl! woo!

Chica Latina also had a great result.

Synch - you are today, correct? Go beat some girls *LOL*!

[chrisjohnston]

All Friday results posted.

http://gallery.supershag.com/g/hotlanta_dance_challenge_2008_friday


Chris

[Natalka]

Looks like Natalka took first in her standard event - you go girl! woo!

Chica Latina also had a great result.

Synch - you are today, correct? Go beat some girls *LOL*!

Hi MamboQueen!!!
I got 2nd in my Standard Scholarship...& it was fun! I had a total blast:D Wish you were there!

[mamboqueen]

Hi MamboQueen!!!
I got 2nd in my Standard Scholarship...& it was fun! I had a total blast:D Wish you were there!


Geez...I thought it showed you as having placed first. My bad...but still quite an excellent result given that you're known as the Rhthym Queen! :)

[syncopationator]

Synch - you are today, correct? Go beat some girls *LOL*!

Done!!!

1st in closed latin and 3rd in 6-dance

I'm :)

[mamboqueen]

Excellent! Congrats. And time to move to a higher level, methinks!

[cantskiforlife]

Hi MamboQueen!!!
I got 2nd in my Standard Scholarship...& it was fun! I had a total blast:D Wish you were there!

Yay!!! Congrats. Still bummed I had to miss it to catch my flight. Oh and the pics you took of me and Larinda are wonderful. :) I will have to post. I'm still sorry I didn't realize you were on the floor :(

[njdancegirl]

Done!!!

1st in closed latin and 3rd in 6-dance

I'm :)

Isn't this the event with 22 couples in it?!? Very nice!!!!

[syncopationator]

Isn't this the event with 22 couples in it?!? Very nice!!!!

Thanks!

[chica latina]

Looks like Natalka took first in her standard event - you go girl! woo!

Chica Latina also had a great result.

Synch - you are today, correct? Go beat some girls *LOL*!

Thanks mamboqueen... I wish I've could have oficially met you... Introduce yourself next time....

We were happy with the result & marks... not that much with the dancing..

Didnt the comp seem smaller? or is it that they added an extra day? Anyways... congratulations to everyone!!!

[anp73ga31]

Well that was a fun comp to do! Got 2nd against Ben and Kayla (they were awesome and I loved her "birthday cake" dress she was wearing for one of the vendors). Got 2nd out of 4th in the standard 3 dance challenge so I was extremely happy....was cool to meet Larinda in person (she was so NICE and the hair was totally awesome in person!). Always good to see Josh again, too. There was a table of folks who kept cheering us on...never could figure out who they were but just in case they were DFers, wanted to say "thanks!" :D

[syncopationator]

just got home after a frustrating time at the airport. Turned out when I went to check in to my flight that my return trip had been booked for the 25th! Then all the flights out of Atlanta on United were overbooked so I ended up having to fork out $350 for a one-way on Airtran - there went my scholarship check :(

Now I'm home and can have one last day of celebrating before puting it behind me and start working tomorrow on Ohio!

[syncopationator]

One more bit of bad news... The video people missed the entire latin semifinal and the first dance of the final!!!

This is not a complete surprise as they did warn me that they had trouble with my tape but thought they got them all in... I guess I was hopeful that they did :(

[Josh]

Just getting back settled in at home today--met cantski, syncopationer, jumpnjive, and saw larinda, liz, and anp73... it was a great event and it was so nice to see everyone there, and I look forward to seeing all again soon!

[liz]

The vidoe people missed my scholarship completely...Only thing that was taped was my 3 dance challenge... Does anyone know who the photo vendor was? I didn't look at the pictures at the event. Glad everyone has made it back home safely... Larinda, hope you post the pictures you were taking.

[chrisjohnston]

Saturday results posted.

http://gallery.supershag.com/g/hotlanta_dance_challenge_2008_saturday

Chris

[cantskiforlife]

The vidoe people missed my scholarship completely...Only thing that was taped was my 3 dance challenge... Does anyone know who the photo vendor was? I didn't look at the pictures at the event. Glad everyone has made it back home safely... Larinda, hope you post the pictures you were taking.

Vendor was Alliance

[cantskiforlife]

I am in the process of watching my videos now. Many of my heats were not recorded or are missing. And there are rounds where the camera was left running and I am not even on the floor!

[Larinda McRaven]

It certainly was not Front Row doing the videography!

Anyone else having problems should contact Alliance immediately to discuss their problems with the videos they purchased.

[ChelD]

I just finished watching mine for the first time. Sounds like I lucked out. I only ordered 2 rounds and the dances were all there although I did dance out of view a couple of times.

Now that I have gotten through the first (and always the worst) viewing, I'll have to watch again for signs of improvement over last time.

[Nik]

I thought this comp was great. I had a lot of fun and it was very well ran. Big thumbs up to Eddie for putting together such a nice event.

[ChelD]

I thought this comp was great. I had a lot of fun and it was very well ran. Big thumbs up to Eddie for putting together such a nice event.

I agree Nik. and congratulations!

[jump'n'jive]

had a great time at this comp. met josh and we had the josh and brian show in the standard in the rising star side of the comp saturday :cool:

btw what song is this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTMlMMBtmh4
they played it in the open smooth. i have heard it with words and without. really like it annd want to ad to my collection. thanks

[anp73ga31]

This is kind of off topic but I just wanted to say that Shalene Ermis has got to be the most amazing pregnant woman ever...she danced all weekend at Hotlanta and never looked like she was wearing down (and plans to be at Ohio Star Ball next month!)! From what I understand, she is around 7 months pregnant. I'm sure this is old news to all of you, but I had no idea and was quite amazed when I found out (her dress almost totally covered up the fact that she was even pregnant and of course she is in fantastic shape so if you didnt know what she normally wore and looked like, you would never have known!) Belated congrats to Ben and Shalene!

[syncopationator]

It certainly was not Front Row doing the videography!

Anyone else having problems should contact Alliance immediately to discuss their problems with the videos they purchased.

Not to continue the Alliance bashing but its almost 2009 and I can't believe the terrible quality of the video. At the very least they should use digital equipment if not HD. I feel like I'm watching a tv show from the 80's when I'm watching what little they taped of my dancing :(

[Standarddancer]

so sorry to hear those received poor quality & missing dancing videos. So you've got the old-fashioned tapes instead of DVD's? I remember early this year at a small comp we received big cumbersome tapes from one of the vendors, quality not good, usually DVD is burned by digital equipment, quality a way better!

[SDsalsaguy]

I just want to point out that the most effective way to prevent future happenings of this sort is to complain to event organizers about such problems. Obviously its fine to report one's experiences here for the benefit of others, but ultimately it is the organizers who determine which vendors will be present.

[Larinda McRaven]

Agreed, if the organizers understood that the majority of people like or dislike a vendor they can plan accordingly for the future.

If you only complain to the vendor, then we potentially go through the same situation next time they are booked for a comp.

[syncopationator]

Many of the organizers look at the forums even if they don't post. DF is a great place to voice your complaints or make suggestions. I'm sure Eddie or someone close to him is on this thread. But I do agree that the most direct way is to go to the organizer himself. Or better yet, since NDCA determines the rule about video taping in the ballroom, they should also set the guidelines for the video equipment (I.e. Lense strengh, speed, etc) that must be used when working at the comps.

[reb]

had a great time at this comp. met josh and we had the josh and brian show in the standard in the rising star side of the comp saturday :cool:

btw what song is this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTMlMMBtmh4
they played it in the open smooth. i have heard it with words and without. really like it annd want to ad to my collection. thanks

jump 'n jive - the music is inspiring - yes - but look at those dancers - my god who is that woman in orange!! :notworth::rocker::banana:

[mamboqueen]

jump 'n jive - the music is inspiring - yes - but look at those dancers - my god who is that woman in orange!! :notworth::rocker::banana:

someone's gonna get lucky..... :cool:

[cantskiforlife]

Finished watching my videos and I have at least 9 dances missing including my Semi-Final and Final for Open Smooth.

[Larinda McRaven]

The SEMI & THE FINAL????

[SDsalsaguy]

The SEMI & THE FINAL????
That's utterly ridiculous! :mad:

[cantskiforlife]

Yep - Sigh. I only have the single dances. WTFV, ***, and 4 seconds of another waltz.

EDIT: I Like how Waltztangofoxtrot is a bad word.

[SDsalsaguy]

I'd really let Eddie know, that's just not right.

[syncopationator]

Yep - Sigh. I only have the single dances. WTFV, ***, and 4 seconds of another waltz.

EDIT: I Like how Waltztangofoxtrot is a bad word.

:p -you should put that on your license plate

[ChelD]

Finished watching my videos and I have at least 9 dances missing including my Semi-Final and Final for Open Smooth.

Oh no! did you get a DVD? if so, have them check the tape. Maybe the copy to DVD stopped before the end. that can happen sometimes if there is a gap between the dances on the tape.

[Joe]

:p -you should put that on your license plate
Oh, really?

[Merrylegs]

Oh, really?

It could still work if it is in a different state.

[syncopationator]

Oh, really?

just ***

[syncopationator]

Nice filters.

I put Waltz Tango Foxtrot and it comes out ***

[Standarddancer]

lol...don't get too creative for these 3 words, we have a very strict moderator who really don't like folks get creative for things like that;) I've encountered trouble for a different thread;)

really great filter DF has!

[SDsalsaguy]

Nice filters.

I put Waltz Tango Foxtrot and it comes out ***
That is on purpose. Clear abbreviations of words disallowed by the filters are as problematic (for our PG-13 standards) as the words themselves. If it is obvious we don't want that terminology used here, "creative" attempts to circumvent that really aren't appreciated. We'd much prefer that members actually respect the clear intent of the filters.

Also, and as much as some here disagree, I find it in very poor taste to use dance names as stand-ins for curses (especially on a dance forum).

[Larinda McRaven]

Plus you Dept of Motor Vehicle won't let you use curse abbreviations either...

[chica latina]

Finished watching my videos and I have at least 9 dances missing including my Semi-Final and Final for Open Smooth.

Did you have to pay for the dances missing? I would contact them... I'm sure they can check if they recorded it or give you a refund.

My videos turned out ok... but quality is not as good as I'm used to see from others... plus I wanted a DVD and only had VCR available for my event.... I guess I should have decided earlier...

[syncopationator]

Plus you Dept of Motor Vehicle won't let you use curse abbreviations either...

looks like cantski won't be able to get his plates afterall.

[cantskiforlife]

looks like cantski won't be able to get his plates afterall.

Blank plate with Magic Marker? :) Soooooooo legit.

Yeah I paid for at least 9 additional dances.

[reb]

Nice filters.

I put Waltz Tango Foxtrot and it comes out ***

Would you believe a room full of moderators typing furiously . . . :D

[Joe]

Also, and as much as some here disagree, I find it in very poor taste to use dance names as stand-ins for curses (especially on a dance forum).
Do you also refuse to use the words "heck" or "darn?"

[danceronice]

looks like cantski won't be able to get his plates afterall.

WTeffV isn't a curse (insert F there on the plate.) You just have to remember the Viennese.

Or he could do Standard: WTVFQ...actually that would be pretty good for plate! I'd love to see people trying to sound it out, assuming it's a word.

Hm...maybe next renewal I should get CRSBM...Latin dancers could have CSRPJ....I've actually thought about seeing if "BOLERO" is available as that would be a double nod, to dance and to my all-time favorite ice dancers, Torvill and Dean.

I've now heard a lot of complaints about Alliance--did they do the still photography, too? If it's the same company that did photos for Yankee, the quality of THAT was a disaster, too. They missed almost all of my Standard, got NO good photos of what they did shoot, and got only one halfway decent picture from Rhythm. And that one that I did buy was horrible print quality. (I can actually see on the video of my Standard scholarship--which was by Front Row and perfectly fine--the photographer taking so long to set up a shot that by the time he decided to take it the dance ended.) It was a particular letdown because they'd done a good job at Michigan and I got some nice pictures.

[Merrylegs]

DOI: You actually know two people who have dances for their license plates, they are students at the studio. I will point them out to you on Friday. And, the guest of honor on Friday night used to have one too.

I don't think there are too many dances left for license plates in MA. A dance teacher in NH has a dance vanity plate too.

There is a way to check on the DMV website for availabile vanity plates.

WTeffV isn't a curse (insert F there on the plate.) You just have to remember the Viennese.

Or he could do Standard: WTVFQ...actually that would be pretty good for plate! I'd love to see people trying to sound it out, assuming it's a word.

Hm...maybe next renewal I should get CRSBM...Latin dancers could have CSRPJ....I've actually thought about seeing if "BOLERO" is available as that would be a double nod, to dance and to my all-time favorite ice dancers, Torvill and Dean.

[Larinda McRaven]

here are some friendly shots from the weekend.

843

844

845

846

[cantskiforlife]

http://www.dance-forums.com/album/thumbnail.php?src=/album/uploads/3c531b4f2edb7f3df3882bde04b8c84b.jpg&w=1024&h=768&zc=0&q=0

Lol.... My what a large lens. I think that must have been the most common comment at the comp.


And my photos are available now for viewing. :)
http://pa.photoshelter.com/package-show/P0000J_.8.9NAyYk


I doubt anyone in RI has those plates. It would be interesting to see. :)

[ChelD]

Cantski, You have some really nice shots in your galleries!

[Casey]

Cantski,

So far, your photos I've seen reflect a focus on facial expression. This is less common than the art/lines type of photography for dancing, I think. You do an incredible job of capturing the expressions and therefore the people. I'll tell the subjects I know about the photographs because I'm sure they would be captivated, too. Thanks so much for posting them.

[liz]

Hey Cantski, found some nice pictures of me in your album.. Are they available to order?

[cantskiforlife]

Cantski,

So far, your photos I've seen reflect a focus on facial expression. This is less common than the art/lines type of photography for dancing, I think. You do an incredible job of capturing the expressions and therefore the people. I'll tell the subjects I know about the photographs because I'm sure they would be captivated, too. Thanks so much for posting them.

You're welcome. And Thank You too! This is a business I would love to enter more permanently (so that I can pay for comps :p).

By the way, did anyone else get to use the pool or jacuzzi at the comp? I jumped for an hour between rounds on Thursday. It was quite relaxing!

[NURDRMS]

By the way, did anyone else get to use the pool or jacuzzi at the comp? I jumped for an hour between rounds on Thursday. It was quite relaxing!

Was disappointed the outdoor pool was closed...would have enjoyed a little sun, especially since we got our first snow last Tuesday.

[anp73ga31]

my sister (a/k/a my hair and makeup person) and I got to use both the steam room and then the indoor pool. Well, actually I went in the indoor pool and she went in the jacuzzi (because I am hot-natured and thought the lukewarm pool felt nice to swim in and because she is cold-natured and thought the boiling jacuzzi felt good to sit in). :D

[liz]

Larinda, I look like an amazon woman next to you....How do you post a photo comment?

[Larinda McRaven]

:D Well I am short. In the photo gallery, looking at the individual pics, at the bottom underneath all of the other comments is a dialouge box.

[fascination]

Larinda, I look like an amazon woman next to you....How do you post a photo comment?
lol...don't take this the wrong way Liz b/c you are beautiful and have a beautiful body, but when I saw that shot my first thought was ....NOTE TO SELF: never ever get picture taken next to Larinda....(b/c I WOULD look like an amazonian and not even in a good way);)

[anp73ga31]

this is probably a dumb question, but where do they post the pics they take of a scholarship or championship with all the ppl in it in the order of how they placed? just wondering, as I've not seen the pics on either the supershag site or the hotlanta site and thought they would be fun to look at.

[fascination]

go to the photographer's website...which was probably alliance

[wooh]

I think this is what you're looking for:
http://gallery.supershag.com/g/hotlanta_dance_challenge_2008

[reb]

liz and fascination - how about a picture with me?
:banana::banana::banana:

[fascination]

deal...ohio?

[reb]

deal - and I'll be wearing tuxes Thurs, Fri, and Sat - better than in shorts at the beach!

[fascination]

I will be there the entire week...in various garb ;)

[Larinda McRaven]

deal - and I'll be wearing tuxes Thurs, Fri, and Sat - better than in shorts at the beach!
now that is super sexy!

[etp777]

Knew I was making wise decision to buy myself a tux earlier this year. ;) Just need to get it exchanged for one that actually fits.

[syncopationator]

this is probably a dumb question, but where do they post the pics they take of a scholarship or championship with all the ppl in it in the order of how they placed? just wondering, as I've not seen the pics on either the supershag site or the hotlanta site and thought they would be fun to look at.

http: //www.photoreflect.com/pr3/orderpage.aspx?pi=022X006S140010&po=10

Definitely a shameless plug :rolleyes:

[moderated by latingal: sorry synch, it will have to be a shameless inactive link plug]

[fascination]

it's okay, I think we have allowed the links to the photogs previously...

[liz]

I would love to take pictures with ya'll... not gonna be at Ohio this year. Decided to wait and get my new stuff cleaner..

[fascination]

guess he's all mine then...um well...sort of ;)

[anp73ga31]

I think this is what you're looking for:
http://gallery.supershag.com/g/hotlanta_dance_challenge_2008

No, those are just the individual pictures...I did finally find the Alliance website and after going thru the numerous sections from Friday, I finally found it. And one good pic of me which has my mom sitting in the background taking a pic of me. lol! Too bad a 5x7 is $15.00 or I'd get it! Oh well...was cool to look at, though.

[anp73ga31]

http: //www.photoreflect.com/pr3/orderpage.aspx?pi=022X006S140010&po=10

Definitely a shameless plug :rolleyes:

[moderated by latingal: sorry synch, it will have to be a shameless inactive link plug]

Thanks for trying! :p
I watched the video last night with pro and he keep pointing out Olga (who is your pro, right?) and Larinda's frame, telling me that's what I should strive to look like. I'm thinking, well DUH I'd love to look like that and I really am trying but my brain and my upper body just cant seem to get it together yet, especially when I'm out there trying to smile and not screw up my feet. :rolleyes:

[syncopationator]

Thanks for trying! :p
I watched the video last night with pro and he keep pointing out Olga (who is your pro, right?) and Larinda's frame, telling me that's what I should strive to look like. I'm thinking, well DUH I'd love to look like that and I really am trying but my brain and my upper body just cant seem to get it together yet, especially when I'm out there trying to smile and not screw up my feet. :rolleyes:

Don't feel bad - Olga consistently points out Andrei Gavreline and tells me I need to look like him :confused:

[anp73ga31]

Don't feel bad - Olga consistently points out Andrei Gavreline and tells me I need to look like him :confused:

:shock: talk about big shoes to fill!

[liz]

I can't figure out how to post a comment under the picture of me and Larinda...mambogueen, my dress is by Sasha Pust. I bought if from Suzanne Peterson.. Great deal on it. Had only been worn twice.
If you guys haven't checked yet the scores are up. Was kinda cool to see that a couple of judges are starting to like me!!!! I guess it is a slow process of getting known. Has been a trying year for me. Lots of changes with pros and with material. I was really happy with the results at Hotlanta this year. Oh, and yes I did go back to blonde. Not quite as light as before and it is short. You wouldn't believe the hard time everyone gave me about it at USDSC.. Who would think that anyone would care.. Anyway, I like my hair now and everyone really seemed to dig it on me at the comp.

[samina]

http: //www.photoreflect.com/pr3/orderpage.aspx?pi=022X006S140010&po=10

Definitely a shameless plug :rolleyes:

[moderated by latingal: sorry synch, it will have to be a shameless inactive link plug]

proud of you, sync...congrats! :)

[mamboqueen]

Don't feel bad - Olga consistently points out Andrei Gavreline and tells me I need to look like him :confused:

I've been known to close my eyes and envision Slavik. My old pro caught on to that one quick.

[mamboqueen]

.mambogueen, my dress is by Sasha Pust. I bought if from Suzanne Peterson.. Great deal on it. Had only been worn twice.
If you guys haven't checked yet the

I rented a Sasha Pust dress once from Caroline Alexander...really liked it, but could not for the life of me track her (Sasha) down on the internet. Are they made in the US? The dress/hair color looked quite striking. You actually remind me of a terrific rhythm dancer from MA who gave it up a while back. Always liked her look, too.

[reb]

I've been known to close my eyes and envision Slavik. My old pro caught on to that one quick.

old? former? ;)

[mamboqueen]

old? former? ;)

yeah, compared to me, he's not old ;)

[syncopationator]

proud of you, sync...congrats! :)

thank you Sam! See you at Ohio?

[cantskiforlife]

No, those are just the individual pictures...I did finally find the Alliance website and after going thru the numerous sections from Friday, I finally found it. And one good pic of me which has my mom sitting in the background taking a pic of me. lol! Too bad a 5x7 is $15.00 or I'd get it! Oh well...was cool to look at, though.

What do you think is an appropriate cost for the prints? I have been struggling with this one recently as % taken by the services I use means I barely make anything whenever anyone orders a print.

I currently charge $10 for a 5x7 and there is a fixed charge of $5 per order plus there is about 15% charge for the transaction. After all is said and done I earn about $3.50.

The costs are probably about the same for Alliance if they use a vendor to print/ship images.

NOTE
This question was moved to its own thread to further discuss the issue.
http://www.dance-forums.com/showthread.php?t=29484 (http://www.dance-forums.com/showthread.php?t=29484)
Please direct further photo cost discussion there.

[liz]

I rented a Sasha Pust dress once from Caroline Alexander...really liked it, but could not for the life of me track her (Sasha) down on the internet. Are they made in the US? The dress/hair color looked quite striking. You actually remind me of a terrific rhythm dancer from MA who gave it up a while back. Always liked her look, too.
Thank you so much!!! You are to sweet. I am pretty sure that Sasha is a dance pro who dances at the same studio as Suzanne, in Arizona. Suzanne dances with Demir Caraman(not sure about the last name spelling) I can get info for you if you would like..