Top pro/am dancers

[jenp123]

Just curious who do you believe are the top pro/am dancers? Any ideas out there?

[etp777]

Me :D

Welcome to DF, jenp!

[etp777]

As a real answer though, I'd probably start by looking at the pro/am multidance finalists/winners from Ohio Star Ball. Hard to say any one person, as pro am, like amateur, is divided up a lot more by age and even by gender. Whereas with pro categories you basically have RS or open in each of the four divisions, plus ta/cabaret/showdance.

[danceronice]

I would look at the results from OSB's Open multi-dance championships for the A/B/C divisions for all four styles. They're mixed-gender events and just A/B/C, without the further age splits.

There's also the dancesport series, but the point totals there say less about ability (as those events often have maybe one or two couples tops at a comp) and more about people who have the time and money to do LOTS of competitions.

[jenp123]

I've noticed that some of the pro/am latin dancers have previously danced am/am and then turned to pro/am when they didn't have a partner. Last years OSB latin finalist was one of them. I think this gives them a better chance too.

[danceronice]

I've noticed that some of the pro/am latin dancers have previously danced am/am and then turned to pro/am when they didn't have a partner. Last years OSB latin finalist was one of them. I think this gives them a better chance too.

Never having done am/am, it's hard for me to say, but...eh. It's an entirely different ball game, doing pro-am. The relationship between the dancers is different, and the ability level between them as well, even at the top end. A person who was only mddle-of-the-road in amateur might end up being only middle-of-the-road at pro-am, too, or even fare worse. It's a different dynamic. I think it's more likely that the people who've done am have been dancing longer, the same as those who started out in ballet, and that's always an advantage no matter what division you're in.

[dlgodud]

Welcome to DF!

[dlgodud]

I've noticed that some of the pro/am latin dancers have previously danced am/am and then turned to pro/am when they didn't have a partner. Last years OSB latin finalist was one of them. I think this gives them a better chance too.

I don't know what better chances you are mentioning about, but like danceronice said there is no guarantee that they will win the event.

[syncopationator]

I'm the best

[fascination]

I would look at marks from ohio and usdsc and other similar comps, as well as those on the series whose rank is high having done very few comps as opposed to having done alot of comps ...that would tend to weigh more toward those who danced well versus those who danced alot but it still really isn't a good measure b/c for folks who only dance one style it is very difficult for success to show up there...most folks who compete generally discover who is winning in pretty short order...you can also regularly get a sense of the open pro/an dancers via dancebeat coverage of comps...

[latingal]

Welcome to DF jenp123!

[Joe]

Also, how do you tell, when there are so many (not always consistent) age categories?

[emkey]

in terms of the pros at #1 in the world rankings is still Michael Malitowski and Joanna Leunis from Poland.

With Stefano and Anna split the #1 in the IDSF rankings is if I'm correct Russian pair Alexei Silde and Anna Firstova.

though if your asking for like personal rankings

pros
1. Riccardo and Yulia
2. Michael and Joana
3. Peter and Kristina

am
1. Alexei and Anna
2. Andre and Anna
3. Zoran and Tatsiana

[fascination]

emkey we are talking about one pro and one am dancing together....

again, I would go to the age and style i was considering dancing and look at the results on the websites of big comps, of you are just curious in general not WRT those who may dance in a particular category, then I would simply look at who is winning in the open categories

[dlgodud]

Well, when I checked the results of big competitions, I am just talking about Open gold-Int. Latin style, Age group A - The winners have been changed more often and seen new Amateur competitors coming into the category every year. Age group B - There is one winner who consistently win this group at big competitions. Her pro partner is a retired Blackpool finalist. Also, there are a few ladies who are in finals. I believe this group has very consistent results. For Age group C - I don't think I know that much.

[etp777]

If no one else will mention them, our very own Cantski and Natalka (in smooth A and rhythm A respectively) are certainly up there, least based on all the scores i've seen over last year or two.

[danceronice]

If no one else will mention them, our very own Cantski and Natalka (in smooth A and rhythm A respectively) are certainly up there, least based on all the scores i've seen over last year or two.

Didn't Natalka win A at OSB last year?

[etp777]

She won rhythm A and cantski took second in smooth A.

[danceronice]

I think it's safe to say cantski is one of the top dancers in pro/am Smooth....

[liz]

I want to be Natalka when I grow up... Hehe.. She will get a kick out of that if she happens across this.. Joan gives me hope, Pamela B. is great, and Cristine S, is great at rhythm and latin, Karen Angell is up there in rhythm, smooth and 9dance.

[liz]

Olivia in open B rhythm... I dance rhythm and smooth. So, they are the only ones I keep up with.

[dlgodud]

If not mistaken, think she means Max Kozhevnikov's pro/am latin B lady who just won in Manhattan....or could be Andrei Gavriline's who is right up there with her.

Yes, you are correct. :p

[dlgodud]

If no one else will mention them, our very own Cantski and Natalka (in smooth A and rhythm A respectively) are certainly up there, least based on all the scores i've seen over last year or two.

Yes,yes. Natalka......

[Natalka]

I want to be Natalka when I grow up... Hehe.. She will get a kick out of that if she happens across this.. Joan gives me hope, Pamela B. is great, and Cristine S, is great at rhythm and latin, Karen Angell is up there in rhythm, smooth and 9dance.

WOW!!! Thanks Liz! :DI am blushing & flattered!:oops:

[Natalka]

Yes,yes. Natalka......

Thanks so much dlgodud!!!!
It's so nice to be recognized!

[Natalka]

If no one else will mention them, our very own Cantski and Natalka (in smooth A and rhythm A respectively) are certainly up there, least based on all the scores i've seen over last year or two.

Thanks etp777!!!!!!!!!!:D:D:D

[etp777]

You're welcome, but you earned it. :)

[dlgodud]

Exactly, she earned it.:p

[Natalka]

Exactly, she earned it.:p


You guys are all awesome! Hooray to all DF Members...Thanks for the support!

[etp777]

Just give us a repeat this fall, Natalka. :) I won't be there unti Friday, but you know all of DF will be here cheering for you, even if we don't make it out to Ohio.

[reb]

If no one else will mention them, our very own Cantski and Natalka (in smooth A and rhythm A respectively) are certainly up there, least based on all the scores i've seen over last year or two.

Right on!

[Joe]

i think it's safe to say cantski is one of the top dancers in smooth....
ftfy. ;)

[Larinda McRaven]

lol. He looked at his last video from Manhattan and told me his dancing was crap.
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgBgincb7j8&feature=channel)

[Standarddancer]

Yap Cantski is the top pro-am in smooth!!! And there’s another guy, believe he’s DF username is “Sync” and he even posted his winning photos of beating women in DF album;) he’s quite good in pro-am latin.

For standard, I recall Samantha with Slavy and Dara with Igor were really good (believe they were either winner of runner up of Ohio star ball), I used to do little bit of pro-am when I was between partners, did well, won A scholarship in manhattan….right now believe Lilian Wong/Erimnio is top, they just won Manhattan in scholarship A. Now cos the high cost of pro-am, we all doing am champ except Lilian who has more financial resource than rest of us;)

[gracie]

Pam Bolling with Rick Elliott US 9 Dance Champion now dancing with Ben Ermis. Won Smooth B and Rhythm at Millenium with Ben. They looked great together. Expect they will be winning a lot this year.

[DancinProf]

lol. He looked at his last video from Manhattan and told me his dancing was crap.



Larinda, I loooooooooove your gown in that video! It's got stars all over it because you're a star!
I'm totally geeking out.

[Standarddancer]

lol. He looked at his last video from Manhattan and told me his dancing was crap.


Really nice dancing and dress!!! Why he thinks crap? lol

[Larinda McRaven]

stars...ha. my next one is going to have skull and cross bones and roses.

[LauraB]

stars...ha. my next one is going to have skull and cross bones and roses.


Nice! I would definitely wear that! ;)

[liz]

WOW!!! Thanks Liz! :DI am blushing & flattered!:oops:
;) you aren't the champion for nothing...

[samina]

our own latingal is also a force to be reckoned with...in latin of course! though i know she also trains in other styles...

[Natalka]

lol. He looked at his last video from Manhattan and told me his dancing was crap.

Cantski...your dancing is the farthest thing from crap! It is amazing! I love it! And...not to mention, you looked absolutely handsome in your costume....I told you that when I saw you! :rocker:

[Natalka]

Just give us a repeat this fall, Natalka. :) I won't be there unti Friday, but you know all of DF will be here cheering for you, even if we don't make it out to Ohio.

Thank you! I will certainly try!

[latingal]

our own latingal is also a force to be reckoned with...in latin of course! though i know she also trains in other styles...

why thank you sam...it's always nice to be recognized. *blush*

[19DancerBabyLin]

Hee hee you guys are awesome! I can't wait to meet you big wigs of DF and ballroom!!!

[fascination]

I have seen LG dance and it is praiseworthy to be sure

[latingal]

I have seen LG dance and it is praiseworthy to be sure

thank you fasc....it is nice to have positive feedback when we all put so much work in to this!

and on that note, I have to say that all pro-am dancers are tops with me when they put in the love, work and effort to learn whatever style(s) they choose. Being disadvantage by age, lack of finances, lack of time, whatever....the ones I see at the studio continuing to plug away at it - giving their all, I can't but help admire.

[dlgodud]

thank you fasc....it is nice to have positive feedback when we all put so much work in to this!

and on that note, I have to say that all pro-am dancers are tops with me when they put in the love, work and effort to learn whatever style(s) they choose. Being disadvantage by age, lack of finances, lack of time, whatever....the ones I see at the studio continuing to plug away at it - giving their all, I can't but help admire.

:applause:

[samina]

I have seen LG dance and it is praiseworthy to be sure
ditto. and she garnered some impressive words of admiration from my own pro...hard to get those, lol.

[fascination]

thank you fasc....it is nice to have positive feedback when we all put so much work in to this!

and on that note, I have to say that all pro-am dancers are tops with me when they put in the love, work and effort to learn whatever style(s) they choose. Being disadvantage by age, lack of finances, lack of time, whatever....the ones I see at the studio continuing to plug away at it - giving their all, I can't but help admire.
agree...

[gracie]

Dara, Beverly. Jill, and Elaine in Standard.

[liz]

agree...
ditto:p

[Natalka]

agree...


Absolutely!

[debmc]

Thought I'd revive this thread... so who are the top pro am couples out there today? I have a few favorites.....

[clumsy fellow]

Thought I'd revive this thread... so who are the top pro am couples out there today? I have a few favorites.....

Please share . . .

[MissKitty]

We dont have Pro/Am here so please excuse my ignorance but I am interested to know.....are the Pro/Am competitors judged as a couple, or is it just the Amatuers who are judged against each other?

[fascination]

the prevailing thinking is that it is just the Am until open...then the couple

[MidwestDancingGuy]

the prevailing thinking is that it is just the Am until open...then the couple

Depends on what category you're dancing. In my syllabus single dances, it's just me that gets judged (the Am), but in scholarships and championships, you're judged as a couple, even in Closed Bronze... which is apparently why I keep losing to those girl Ams with their male Pros... :cry:

[debmc]

MidwestDG, even if you are judged as a couple, they won't compare you to the male pros, just as they would not compare me to the female pros. They will just look at the partnership and presentation of the couple as a whole.

[MissKitty]

So is there no actual rule that states how it is judged? Nothing in a rule book?

[Larinda McRaven]

Yes... it says that single dances are judged based on the amateur. Championships and Scholarships are judged based on the couple.

[vcolfari]

Yes... it says that single dances are judged based on the amateur. Championships and Scholarships are judged based on the couple.

Is this explicit in the NDCA rule book?

[Joe]

I can't find it there.

[debmc]

Proposed Rule Change - Rule IV.A.9. (Submitted by 1st Vice President)
Action: add a new rule that establishes judging criteria in Pro-Amateur Divisions. The proposed rule would have read as follows:
1. PRO/AM SINGLE DANCE DIVISIONS: Competitors in single dance competitions are not to be judged as couples; each student is to be evaluated only against the other students in their heat.
2. PRO/AM MULTI DANCE CHAMPIONSHIP and SCHOLARSHIP DIVISIONS: Competitors in Pro-Am multi dance events are to be judged as couples.

Actually quoting this from another thread on a similar topic.

[Standarddancer]

interesting rule, fair enough, just wondering if students doing well in single dances but not getting the results they want in championship / scholarship would be more likely to change teacher?

[fascination]

personally, I don't see it vary that much, at least not for that reason

[Larinda McRaven]

right, which is why I don't believe it.

[latingal]

got a chance to see the top pro-am couples at the NDCA World Championships at Ohio, thought the level of competition keeps increasing every year!

anybody notable stick out for you all?

[Standarddancer]

I always like that young Russian girl and her pro, she always win scholarship A, think she won last year and this year. She looks good on the floor and dress always good taste, enhance her dancing very much, a complete package.

Also this Italian pro (his name Alessio??) with a lady from Hong Kong (black/yellow dress) look quite outstanding, looking good together. clean silhouette, movement very coordinated. She also has gorgeous dress, looking expensive on the floor.

[Mengu]

I always like that young Russian girl and her pro, she always win scholarship A, think she won last year and this year. She looks good on the floor and dress always good taste, enhance her dancing very much, a complete package.

I think you are talking about Maxim and Tatiana. Love watching them. She is certainly the complete package.

Also this Italian pro (his name Alessio??) with a lady from Hong Kong (black/yellow dress) look quite outstanding, looking good together. clean silhouette, movement very coordinated. She also has gorgeous dress, looking expensive on the floor.

One Italian pro I remember dancing with a lady in yellow and black was Giampiero and Lin Meng. She is very elegant, but not quite as powerful a lady as some of the others. The other Italian pro I can think of is Erminio, dancing with Celia Chow. I don't remember the color of her dress, but I do remember liking her. Not sure where either of the ladies are from.

[NonieS]

One Italian pro I remember dancing with a lady in yellow and black was Giampiero and Lin Meng. She is very elegant, but not quite as powerful a lady as some of the others. The other Italian pro I can think of is Erminio, dancing with Celia Chow. I don't remember the color of her dress, but I do remember liking her. Not sure where either of the ladies are from.

I went on the supershag site to see a picture of Maxim and Tatiana. I think standarddancer is talking about Alessio and Eva who were in the Adult A event with Maxim and Tatiana.

[latingal]

I've always wondered if anybody other than the dancers in a pro-am division really notice the top dancers in pro-am....

I do think the level of pro-am dancing continues to increase every year, but I always wonder if anybody else really notices.

[NonieS]

I've always wondered if anybody other than the dancers in a pro-am division really notice the top dancers in pro-am....

I do think the level of pro-am dancing continues to increase every year, but I always wonder if anybody else really notices.


I would say unlikely.... unless you have a friend that does pro-am, then I guess you would have an interest in his/her dancing. There are a quite a few pro-am ladies at my studio, but they are all a generation or two older than me, so we do not talk to much. They also don't really hang out much in the studio... just come in for lessons and then leave so the rest of us really are not socializing with them at all. I would assume that most dancers outside of the pro-am world know very little of pro-am dancers, wouldn't follow pro-am events, and probably have not even watched many pro-am competitions. Just my personal experience.

[fascination]

and I think the revrse is true as well, many pro-am students have never been to a collegiate comp or an entirely amatuer comp...unfortunate because there is always something to learn...but also nothing nefarious about it

[fascination]

I've always wondered if anybody other than the dancers in a pro-am division really notice the top dancers in pro-am....

I do think the level of pro-am dancing continues to increase every year, but I always wonder if anybody else really notices.
;) drat...we will just have to settle for being famous on DF

[latingal]

;) drat...we will just have to settle for being famous on DF

LOL! Well at least we have that.... *grin*

The one exception I think is the A divisions of some of the pro-am divisions. It seems some younger dancers who are unpartnered will do pro-am to keep building their skills and try to attract a compatible am or pro partner.

I also think that the B and C divisions could be a great finding place for am dancers that would like to try the senior circuit together!!

[Dream314]

there are a lot of great pro-am dancers out there....pamela bolling., natalka c., gwen b. and theres a hispanic girl that I really enjoy watching because her dancing seems authentic....her name is yasmin llevada..her technique needs improvement but she's VERY different on the dance floor..unique..she doesn't look like the rest which makes her stand out.....Haven't seen her dancing since USDC but I hope that girl sticks around and continues on improving because I feel she has something which is original in her movement. I think there are some youtube vids somewhere...

Also another girl who is fantastic is the girl who won for the A division at USDC 2011....forgot her name..her technique was amazing!!

[fascination]

the A division of what?

[samina]

I've always wondered if anybody other than the dancers in a pro-am division really notice the top dancers in pro-am....

I do think the level of pro-am dancing continues to increase every year, but I always wonder if anybody else really notices.
pros pay attention...

[tanya_the_dancer]

pros pay attention...

Do they, really?

[tanya_the_dancer]

I've always wondered if anybody other than the dancers in a pro-am division really notice the top dancers in pro-am....

I do think the level of pro-am dancing continues to increase every year, but I always wonder if anybody else really notices.

Actually I think even pro-am dancers themselves for most part don't pay much attention to who's on the top in their style, or keep track of those in open pro-am levels if they're not at that level themselves. I think the tendency is to pay more attention to pro-am competitors dancing in the same levels, kinda like keeping track of your competition.

[Larinda McRaven]

good pros that do pro-am do.... I pay attention to every level of smooth and standard, almost all of the rhythm, but in latin only my friends.

[Larinda McRaven]

Also this Italian pro (his name Alessio??) with a lady from Hong Kong (black/yellow dress) look quite outstanding, looking good together. clean silhouette, movement very coordinated. She also has gorgeous dress, looking expensive on the floor.

Vivian Chen, her pro at Ohio was Mirko Selli. (very nice dancer and very nice guy)

[danceronice]

Do they, really?

They may not pay attention to every last pro and student, but the ones who win consistently/a lot? Yes, they know. I found this out when I moved studios and regions and the teachers and coaches here know my old pros and their top students. (I suspect NP may know Larinda more as a dancer than a teacher as he and his wife danced pro Smooth, too, but he did know cantski's name, too.) And the judges who coach know, too.

[fascination]

my pro keeps track...and so do I

[samina]

Do they, really?
absolutely. the good ones that i've known, anyway. i have heard them express genuine admiration and appreciation of many pro-am dancers.

one aspect of comping that i very much enjoyed was to sit with my own pro and watch other dancers dance, and hear his running commentary in response...and when praise was due, he surely gave it.

[samina]

Actually I think even pro-am dancers themselves for most part don't pay much attention to who's on the top in their style, or keep track of those in open pro-am levels if they're not at that level themselves. I think the tendency is to pay more attention to pro-am competitors dancing in the same levels, kinda like keeping track of your competition.

not me. i always made a point of watching the open ladies and got to know who they were pretty well...

there are some fine dancers in that category, by any standard. men as well.

[latingal]

one aspect of comping that i very much enjoyed was to sit with my own pro and watch other dancers dance, and hear his running commentary in response...and when praise was due, he surely gave it.

I enjoy the same....you can learn so much by watching other dancers with your pro. I have had some light bulb moments when I realize....oh, I'm doing that? And that's what it looks like?...oh dear....

[debmc]

I notice and enjoy watching the top pro am dancers in my division. It gives me inspiration and something to work for. I subscribe to DanceBeat so I also get info on how people did at various comps so you start to get familiar with some names... particularly the people who dance alot. I think the good pros notice also who is doing well in the divisions that thier girls are dancing, though they probably are looking more at the current division that their students are in and not necessarily the "possible future" divisions. I agree about ladies A too.. there are some girls there that I think... why isn't she dancing pro? Maybe they are honing their skills waiting for a pro partner.

[samina]

I enjoy the same....you can learn so much by watching other dancers with your pro. I have had some light bulb moments when I realize....oh, I'm doing that? And that's what it looks like?...oh dear....

i also remember my own pro seeing you compete and instantly having some extreme words of praise...which were certainly due. :tongue:

[latingal]

i also remember my own pro seeing you compete and instantly having some extreme words of praise...which were certainly due. :tongue:

Thanks doll!

I haven't seen your pro in a while, then again I haven't been out doing many comps with the economy the way it's been. Hope he and his pro partner are doing well, and that we'll see you out on the dance floor again soon!!

[latingal]

I notice and enjoy watching the top pro am dancers in my division. It gives me inspiration and something to work for.

I really like watching pro-am dancers when I'm not competing at a comp. We've all been through some of the same rough patches in our dancing. And seeing others work through and overcome the same types of problems is inspirational!

And besides, nothing like getting to sit and watch pro male dancers do basics and see how they make them look amazing for six or seven hours at a time. Lots to learn there too!

[Joe]

I've always wondered if anybody other than the dancers in a pro-am division really notice the top dancers in pro-am....

I would guess that people pay attention to the people they see compete. As Nonie said earlier, unless you are friends with people who do pro/am and consistently watch their heats, odds are you aren't going to be watching pro/am events (whether you're a pro, a student, or an amateur). Obviously, if you're competing pro/am (on either side) you're more likely to pay attention.

[pygmalion]

my pro keeps track...and so do I


Of course. It is a competition, right? :wink:

[danceronice]

Of people on DF who get 'recognized,', even though I am TERRIBLE at remembering real names vs screen names (it's nothing personal, I just remember face vs names and am terrible with names), NP knew exactly who I meant when describing fascination to him.

[fascination]

well.. to be fair, that is not because I am anybody significant...that is because I am local to him and locally, yes, I am pretty well known...which isn't saying much

[TinyDancer109]

i certainly keep track...as i plan to give them a run for their money relatively soon ;)

[danceronice]

well.. to be fair, that is not because I am anybody significant...that is because I am local to him and locally, yes, I am pretty well known...which isn't saying much

Eh, he doesn't know ALL your pro's ladies. You he remembers, and no, it's not because you dance a lot each time! ;) And it's Smooth that made an impression, btw.

[tanya_the_dancer]

I notice and enjoy watching the top pro am dancers in my division. It gives me inspiration and something to work for. I subscribe to DanceBeat so I also get info on how people did at various comps so you start to get familiar with some names... particularly the people who dance alot. I think the good pros notice also who is doing well in the divisions that thier girls are dancing, though they probably are looking more at the current division that their students are in and not necessarily the "possible future" divisions. I agree about ladies A too.. there are some girls there that I think... why isn't she dancing pro? Maybe they are honing their skills waiting for a pro partner.

I think there's a difference between just watching and keeping track of (meaning recognizing them and knowing how they place). I always watched evening sessions, especially open pro-am standard and smooth, but never really kept track of anyone there.

[fascination]

doi...thanks

[danceronice]

I think there's a difference between just watching and keeping track of (meaning recognizing them and knowing how they place). I always watched evening sessions, especially open pro-am standard and smooth, but never really kept track of anyone there.

I think most of the pros (at least those with competitive students) are aware of who's placing where, more than they usually let on to the students.

[Standarddancer]

If my flight schedule allows (I usually try to get a late Sunday afternoon flight just to stay and watch), I would always like to watch pro-am comps on Sunday afternoon at OSB, indeed very high level dancing, this is one of the best pro-am dancing comp of the year; There is no surprise to see many top US and International pros participate in this event. It's amazing to see some of the ladies improve over the years, those people really work hard! Once a while, spot one or two of my dresses on that floor, really warms my heart!

[tanya_the_dancer]

I think most of the pros (at least those with competitive students) are aware of who's placing where, more than they usually let on to the students.

Isn't that like pyg said - they're paying attention to what their competition is doing?

[fascination]

I can only speak for myself, and from what I have observed of my pro...I pay attention to who is doing well in all categories....it appears to me that my pro doesn't miss much as well

[latingal]

Standarddancer, it's very nice to hear that someone outside of the pros and ams that compete in it have an interest in pro-am dancers. It's not common I don't think, so thank you for your comments!

As for the pros and if they keep track? The ones I know with serious competitive students do. Also, many of the pros professional partners will come to watch pro-am to not only give feedback on the competing student, but the rest of the field.

[tanya_the_dancer]

Thinking about it, that's a bit of surprise to me that someone beyond my family and close friends might be actually paying attention to what I'm doing with my dancing.