Country Western Worlds in Nashville

[Larinda McRaven]

Sorry if this is being discussed in other threads (I don't keep up too well in this forum :oops: )... but

Is anyone planning on going to the Worlds Competition this weekend? I went last year and had a bast. It was a very different environment than the ballroom competitions I am acustomed to.

Just would like to hear everyones thoughts if they have been or are going and want to give us a report when they get back.

[Vince A]

Sorry if this is being discussed in other threads (I don't keep up too well in this forum :oops: )... but

Is anyone planning on going to the Worlds Competition this weekend? I went last year and had a bast. It was a very different environment than the ballroom competitions I am acustomed to.

Just would like to hear everyones thoughts if they have been or are going and want to give us a report when they get back.
We have attended and competed there for the last few years, but this year is a no-go.

My wife, Carolyn, and her Pro have worked on new routines over the past year just for this comp, BUT . . . his wife just delivered their first child last week (several weeks early), and plans were changed. So, we decided to save those big bucks for the coming year's events!

[pygmalion]

How are C&W comps different from ballroom, anyone? (meaning no pressure, Vince or Larinda. :wink: 8) )

[pygmalion]

Oh yeah, and are you back into competing now, Vince? If so, where to next? And didn't you mention a comp in or near Dallas?


(Hmm. Full of questions today, aren't I? :roll: :lol: )

[Vince A]

How are C&W comps different from ballroom, anyone? (meaning no pressure, Vince or Larinda. :wink: 8) )
"No pressure?"

I'm one of those individuals who love to show off, so I never get nervous in front of a crowd. Playing in a band and being a public speaker gave me that blessing.

The first time I competed there . . . as I stepped out on the floor . . . I'm sure you could see the pee running down my leg. Yep, I got nervous. I literally stopped dancing in the middle of an ECS. I totally blanked out . . . the dance . . . where I was . . . etc.

The announcers had estimated about 7,800 people were in attendance. I knew I was good . . . knew I had a chance to take home the gold since I was coming out of 5 straight first-place overall wins. To make a long sory short - I didn't win . . . but I did win the big bucks in the scholarships awards!

Yes . . . there is pressure.

[Vince A]

Oh yeah, and are you back into competing now, Vince? If so, where to next? And didn't you mention a comp in or near Dallas?
Since Carolyn's Pro is moving to Arizona, their practices will be limited, as she and Robert will do a lot of flying back and forth on the weekends, and long hours of practice those two days. I volunteered to learn all of Robert's parts, so she can get more practice in at home. This, in turn, should motivate me to compete with Care as a couple.

I've been running and lifting weights, thus leaving the diabetes behind in hopes of eliminating the meds in the near future!

I'm shooting for some swing dance comp in LA in April. You should look into attending . . . that's a short flight from Dallas! I think SD and others may be going.

(Hmm. Full of questions today, aren't I? :roll: :lol: )
It must be Friday, eh?

I did mention a comp coming up in Dallas, and that comp is listed on the UCWDC site. We won't be going, as Care is starting a brand new jump Feb 1st . . . no more hours of commuting . . . the job is here in Motown!

[sunshineboy78]

Vince - Who is your wife's pro? Alan Sapperstein? Having competed pro in both arenas, I agree. Country is different. Not so much in the pressure aspect, because everyone feels pressure when they compete. Country is friendlier. Ballroom is about pomp and circumstance, country is about dancing. There is also a much heavier emphasis on social dancing at country comps. They are most similar to swing comps. I'm heading down to Worlds tonight. But not competing this year, sadly.

[pygmalion]

Hi sunshineboy78. Welcome to the forums. :D

[sunshineboy78]

Thanks, is that Pilobolus(sp?) on your avatar? It's very cool

[pygmalion]

LOL. I don't know how to spell it either, but yes, it is. A google image search can be a wonderful thing. :wink: :D

[sunshineboy78]

Yeah, I'm either very lame, or very vain. I just used my face.

[Vince A]

Vince - Who is your wife's pro? Alan Sapperstein? Having competed pro in both arenas, I agree. Country is different. Not so much in the pressure aspect, because everyone feels pressure when they compete. Country is friendlier. Ballroom is about pomp and circumstance, country is about dancing. There is also a much heavier emphasis on social dancing at country comps. They are most similar to swing comps. I'm heading down to Worlds tonight. But not competing this year, sadly.
Welcome sb78 . . . NY, eh? Why aren't you competeing this year? Who do you normally compete with??? What division in UCWDC?

No, my wife's Pro is Robert Campos, but she has competed with Tony Gutsch and Toby Munroe prior to Robert.

You have some great Pros back there in NY . . . Robert Royston for one, who is the first Pro who I took privates from. He used to live around here.

Have a ball at World's . . . are you staying at Opryland??? What a place . . . you could walk for days in that place.

[pygmalion]

Nice picture. :D And either way, it's nice to have you here.

Just curious. What do you mean by saying that country is friendlier? That's certainly my impression, too. Even when out social dancing, the country crowd seems friendlier to me. What gives?

Anybody? 8)

[sunshineboy78]

My dance partner had money issues this year, she's a single mother. But we're hoping to be back next year, in Sweden. I dance Div 1 Showcase with Lori Ann Greenhouse. I used to dance with Madeleine Hackney and that's who I competed at the last two worlds with.

Country Dancing has it's roots in social dancing, and although ballroom may claim that as well, it is too far removed. Ballroom dancing is about the pageantry. No one expects a ballroom couple to repeat things they do during a competition on the social floor. So it has become less about interacting with other people, and more about impressing each other. Country dance events don't charge as much for entrance, so they are already more accessible to spectators. They incorporate social dancing in between heats and all day long. Workshops enable people to socialize off the floor, as do all night social dancing events. Plus, people make an effort to learn your name and who you are when you do a country event.

I take coaching from Robert, although he is pretty hard to schedule, I started with Meredith Stead, then Debbie Figueroa, then Laureen Baldovi, now mostly Robert. Also, I tend to work with a lot of ballroom coaches for the dances that aren't specific to country.

[Vince A]

Just curious. What do you mean by saying that country is friendlier? That's certainly my impression, too. Even when out social dancing, the country crowd seems friendlier to me. What gives?

Anybody? 8)
I've been to several ballroom events, and we were lucky to have anyone say "hello" to us . . . muchless dance with us.

Although the strictly swing crowd is friendlier than the ballroom crowd, I noticed that there are lots of "clicks" there, and the Pros seem standoffish.

C&W events . . . everyone is your friend . . . from the event directors, the Pros, and the other competitors . . . everyone talks to you, will sit with you, will rub elbows with you, buy you a drink, and all of them WILLL dance with you . . . etc!

[Vince A]

Country Dancing has it's roots in social dancing, and although ballroom may claim that as well, it is too far removed. Ballroom dancing is about the pageantry. No one expects a ballroom couple to repeat things they do during a competition on the social floor. So it has become less about interacting with other people, and more about impressing each other. Country dance events don't charge as much for entrance, so they are already more accessible to spectators. They incorporate social dancing in between heats and all day long. Workshops enable people to socialize off the floor, as do all night social dancing events. Plus, people make an effort to learn your name and who you are when you do a country event.
I believe that you "hit the nail on the head." Great way to look at C&W dancing . . . I think we said some of the same things, so it must be true!

I take coaching from Robert, although he is pretty hard to schedule, I started with Meredith Stead, then Debbie Figueroa, then Laureen Baldovi, now mostly Robert. Also, I tend to work with a lot of ballroom coaches for the dances that aren't specific to country.
You have taken from some of the "BEST." You know that of course!!!

Laureen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I used to drool everytime I saw her! Now that I'm married, my wife sees me drool :wink:

Tell Robert, the next time you see him, that Vince and Carolyn from Modesto, says "hi."

Do me a favor, and when you get back from World's . . . tell us what we missed??? I like the grans entry of all the competitors . . . it's kinda like the Olympics!!!!!

Thanks . . .

[cntrydancer2004]

I just returned from World's 2005! It was my first time experiencing it. Wow! I was impressed. My partner and I just started competing in Classic Diamond Newcomer back in September. The parade of contestants felt just like the Olympics!! The glitz and glamour of the hotel was wonderful. It was great to be able to spend the week with the best dancers around. Seeing people from all over the world was really amazing. It always impresses me on how far Country dance has gone. My partner and I hope to be able to go to World's in Sweden. What a place to go and dance!

[Vince A]

Hope to see you in Sweden as we are planning to also attend next year!

Glad to read you had a great time . . . that hotel IS awesome, yes???

[cntrydancer2004]

The hotel was awesome! I love the way the water "dances" to the music. Pretty cool! What division do you and your partner dance? If we are able to make it to World's next year we will make it a point to come watch y'all.
It is so nice how everyone in our "dance community" gets along. From the pros down to the beginning dancer everyone has fun together and enjoys our sport.

[pygmalion]

Hi cntrydancer2004! Welcome. :D

[cntrydancer2004]

Thanks! Great to be here. It is nice to have a forum we can all chat in.

[pygmalion]

It is nice. 8) Where/when's your next comp? Do you know yet? :)

[cntrydancer2004]

We are not sure as of yet. Need to recover from World's. Found out we placed second in our division! We are really happy.
We will more than likely do Orange Blossom as we have freinds who live in the Orlando area sooo no hotel costs. :D Also, we will do Christmas in Dixe as we live in S. Carolina.

What about you any clue what events your planning?

[pygmalion]

Woohoo! That placement is impressive! :D

Not ready to compete yet, so, at the moment, I'm planning "spectator" events. :lol: When's the Orange Blossom? Is that the one in Feb in Orlando area? I'm planning a trip back there soon. It would be nice if I could get it to coincide with a dance competition or two. 8)

[cntrydancer2004]

Orange Blossom is held in June. The one in February is in Altamonte Springs just outside of Orlando. It is called Central Florida Dance Stampede. Because my partners coach is pregnant and due in 4 weeks we aren't planning any comps sooner than June to give her a chance to recover and spend time with her baby. My dance coach is her husband and so of course they could not do World's either.

[pygmalion]

Thanks. I'll have to see what I can coordinate. I'm already planning a trip back to Orlando in May -- maybe I can switch it to June? Don't know. (I just moved from Orlando three weeks ago, so I have lots of contacts there. 8) )

[cntrydancer2004]

That would be cool. Where did you move to? I moved to S. Carolina from Fort lauderdale, Fl. back in September. I am finding it is very difficult to find a job here. Thank goodness I have dancing to take away the stress :D

[pygmalion]

I'm in Dallas -- so I'm thinking this is a golden opportunity to get more seriously into country dancing. There's C&W everywhere here. 8) :D

Good luck with the job search. Things appear to be a lot better than they were even six months ago. But South Carolina is tough, unless you live in one of the bigger cities. (I'm not asking, btw. 8) ) My parents and a bunch of cousins live in rural SC, and I know people who are commuting 75 or more miles in each direction, just to have a job. It's tough.

I think I'm going to follow Vince's suggestion, and check out that UCWDC (?) website. That has pretty much all the big comps listed, right?

[cntrydancer2004]

Yes, the ucwdc.com website has all of the events listed on there and some of them allow you to regiser online now for them. The site also shows you all of the results from past events. I live in N. Charleston. We only have 1 dance venue. Though we know a few ballroom coaches that sponsor C/W nights which we attend once in awhile. They also have a few swing nights which is fun as well.

Your lucky where you live. You know Sam and Mona Arvidson live in Houston if your looking for coaches they would be the best. They are in the Masters division.

[pygmalion]

Oh wow! Maybe there's not much dancing there, but that part of South Carolina is absolutely beautiful. *sigh* 8)

[pygmalion]

Oh yeah, and I will check out the website. I'm hoping to find some comps, coaches, etc, within a reasonable drive. Houston's a few hours' drive, but not too far for me to get coaching on a weekend. 8)

[cntrydancer2004]

Yes, it is very beautiful here. I moved here after meeting my dance partner/boyfriend at Orange blossom last year. It is a big city with a small town feel. I love it.

[sunshineboy78]

Had a blast and did a lot of social dancing. A little dissappointed at who made masters this year, but oh well. Did anyone else see the open professional? Gary and Lisa were amazing. I like them, because even though they've been the undefeated top couple for some time, they still train and get better and better, rather than rest on their laurels.

Also, now that masters don't have the same costume restrictions, we got to see some major skin.

[pygmalion]

Glad you had fun. 8) Define major skin? Just curious. The amateur ladies costumes are really ... demure. So what do the pros' costumes look like? Ballroomy? Meaning Latin ballroomy?

[cntrydancer2004]

I agree Solomon, the Master's costumes were barely there. They did not look ballroomy at all more like stage showy. They were beautiful. Not sure if you remember me but we danced a few dances at Round Up in Fort Lauderdale in 2003 on Thursday night during the Sunshine State Dance Festival. I remember meeting you and a friend there. Seemed your partner could not make that comp if I remember correctly. My name is Marci by the way.

[pygmalion]

Oh. I didn't mean ballgowns. I meant miniscule strips of fabric with lots of glitter. :lol: :lol:

[cntrydancer2004]

They were miniscule all right. Considering that they were filming their performances for GAC I was a bit surprised at how little fabric there was. Though some of them were tasteful.

[sunshineboy78]

They were, infact, Latin costumes. Brandy Tobias has all of her costumes made by Chrisanne. Her solo costume was almost a two-piece. For the open professional, Lisa McIntyre did wear a two-piece. Patty Muholland wore a really sexy black fringed dress missing about 2 yards of fabric from her mid section.

I'm sorry CountryDancer2004, I don't remember you. I didn't go to the Ft. Lauderdale comps in 2003. I was there in 2001 and also 2002, when I came with my partner. I think, however, the last time I was at the round up was probably 2002 when I was visiting my friend Maria.

[pygmalion]

Yeah. The pictures I've seen of the amateur (syllabus? what do you call them?) costumes look positively quaint next to some ballroom Latin costumes -- well covered midriffs everywhere. :lol: But C&W seems to be borrowing a lot from ballroom, so who knows what change is coming?

[sunshineboy78]

They have very strict rules in the lower divisions, but they've repealed a lot of them in the past two years. There are no more hemline requirements, and now masters have no costume requirements (besides hat and boots) at all. It's very exciting. I'm looking forward to what I get to wear when I become a master (fingers crossed for 2005).

[CC]

Brandi wore one of our dresses at the recent worlds :) - it was an Aqua latin that was almost a 2 piece except for a sash in front joining the top and bottom together. I'm looking forward to watching her dance in it when it's aired on GAC.

[sunshineboy78]

she looked beatiful in it. I assumed it was Chrisanne because it was very similar to her two-step and waltz costumes, which were. I'm very interested in your company, I have a dress I need to sell, how do I contact you?

[CC]

Click on our website and then click the email tab (last option in the list of page titles on the right hand side).

[sunshineboy78]

This is the dress that Brandy wore

You can see, it's fairly revealing
http://www.rhythmicrentals.com/subpage149.html

[cntrydancer2004]

That's right it was in 2002. I remember now. I really did not expect you to remember me :) Anyway the hemline measurement is stilled required at the lower divisions especially newcomer and novice. I believe they relaxed the costuming alot for the masters level and possibly showcase due to the fact that they perform vs compete (even though they are still competing) I think I said that right. :lol:

[sunshineboy78]

You're right about the reasoning. In fact, even Newcomer ladies can now wear dresses of any length for everything but waltz. The only proviso, is that your dance pants can not show. I think that the reason for the skimpy costumes might have been because of the filming, not in spite of it. And lets face it, Brandy and Patti have nice bodies, why hide them?

[gitjiggy]

I used to compete on the UCWDC circuit. Its been 3 years since I've done it since I went overseas to work. I miss is so much though and I look forward to returning within a year. I didn't get to go to the Nashville Worlds. Actually the last Worlds I went to was in San Antonio in 1998 I believe. I know, its sad, but I hope to change that. Plus, its a little more difficult to go to World's when its in Canada or the Netherlands. I think this year it is in Sweden. Anyway, hope to see yall on the dance floor. I will probably need a new partner though.