Has Blackpool been Americanized?

[Warren J. Dew]

Vernon Brock and Linda Dean, 1976. They were not rhythm dancers – they were a Latin couple from the US

Linda Dean - Encyclopedia of DanceSport

www.wikidancesport.com

They were competing in Latin at Blackpool, yes. Your link says Linda at least had previously been a Fred Astaire trained American style dancer that won a US championship, implying Rhythm. All other accounts of the 1976 Blackpool Latin I’ve read all stated it was their choreography that especially impressed the Blackpool judges and audience, and that all competitors had switched to their flashy choreography by the next year.

 

[Tracy]

Sam Sodano's book had a lot of history in it and i remember something about him at Blackpool but my memory is not clear enough to give specifics.

 

[Dancing Gorilla]

Yes, I think this is still common. I even know one that is dating her dance teacher. And I agree that often no competitions are invovled.

So this explains a lot! I know this guy who goes to my studio and always trying to get these Chinese ladies to dance with him. I'm not Chinese but somehow he likes my dancing I guess, so I got to dance with him. He doesn't dance like a pro but he can dance. Then I saw him at an event with a Chinese lady, they only danced together the whole time. Then I noticed a bunch of older ladies mostly Chinese as well and much younger guys just only danced with each other every single time. No offense but the guys looked so bored. I don't know... my Pros are seem enthusiastic the whole time they are dancing with their students. I thought nah... I'm going to pass this type of event next time. There's really no social dancing, they just ask brought their own partners

 

[DanceMentor]

So this explains a lot! I know this guy who goes to my studio and always trying to get these Chinese ladies to dance with him. I'm not Chinese but somehow he likes my dancing I guess, so I got to dance with him. He doesn't dance like a pro but he can dance. Then I saw him at an event with a Chinese lady, they only danced together the whole time. Then I noticed a bunch of older ladies mostly Chinese as well and much younger guys just only danced with each other every single time. No offense but the guys looked so bored. I don't know... my Pros are seem enthusiastic the whole time they are dancing with their students. I thought nah... I'm going to pass this type of event next time. There's really no social dancing, they just ask brought their own partners

Yes, they are often referred to as DIs, and they are hired to dance with the ladies at the parties. They may also teach them some outside the party, but often just party dancers (taxi dancer is another term often used). It is a pretty big business at studios with a lot of Chinese people.

 

[happyfeet86]

Ha. My mom used to dance ballroom in Hong Kong in the 90s. At that time, since there were always more women than men, many women (including my mom) would mainly learn the lead part. This way, they'll get to dance at parties without always having to hire an instructor. .