It's All the Same Thing

During the Southwestern Invitational Championships in Dallas, I was privileged to attend the final Latin performance danced by Andre and Natalie Paramonov, World Dance Champions, as they announced their debut as Rhythm dancers showcasing their first performance in this new genre during the upcoming Ohio Star Ball.

Reflecting upon this groundbreaking announcement (as most professionals do not change styles of dance in the midst of successful careers), I recall that when I was first learning dance, Smooth Ballroom dances seemed radically different than Rhythm and Latin dances.  The Smooth style, now my favorite, seemed stiff and structured compared to the fun, free, and sexy Rhythm dances.

What I have come to understand over my years as both an amateur and professional dancer is that all require hard work, possess a unique beauty, and each has its own character.  In fact, during the 2012 Blackpool Congress, Gram Oswick proved this by conducting a grand experiment.  He had two couples, World Champions, perform the same choreography – one couple danced a Standard Foxtrot, while the other danced the same figures in a Latin Paso Doble.  It was amazing to watch! 

This demonstration proved that each style of dance possesses its own creative movement, mechanics, and beauty.  Each style requires an equal amount of technique, training, and control.  Yet, each style of dance is distinguished by its signature character, musicality, and beauty within the basic framework of exactly the same figures.

So, to all of the Pro/Am competitors in the audience, particularly my own, I say work hard and have fun in every style you dance!  Standard, Smooth, Rhythm, and Latin all require your focus, commitment and attention to the detail of the dance.  Personally, I love that the theatrical look and feel of Smooth Ballroom dances are comparable to the beautiful arm styling of Rhythm dances.   Hence, the technique, strength, and control you develop dancing Smooth, will only make you a better Rhythm dancer!

As Gram Oswick said, “It is all about articulation.  Your only friend is the floor.”

So keep dancing!

TEAMWORK

I have long admired one well-respected studio from San Antonio, Texas, whose leadership has done an outstanding job of creating team spirit among its competitive students.  The encouragement and uplifting support the female students provide one another emanates joy and love for the art and sport of Ballroom Dance.  I observed this positive energy and teamwork once again at the recent Southwestern Invitational DanceSport Championships (SWI) in Dallas.

I have also been reflecting on what a joy it was to spend the weekend with the wonderful group of students and their families of my Balance Competitive Ballroom Dance Team who accompanied me to SWI, last weekend.  I think the reason that my group of ladies is so pleasurable to be around is the positivity they each possess, the love of dance they share, and the TEAM spirit we all create together!

Over my many years as a dance instructor and studio owner, I have observed at DanceSport competitions the studios that have the most fun and win the most awards are those that work as a team, creating a network of support.

What a contrast this is to the pettiness that can sometimes accompany competition! This is particularly true when students among a single studio or dancing with the same instructor are competing among themselves.  The negative energy created brings everyone down.

Yes, Ballroom Dance at this level is a sport in which there are clear winners and losers.  The cream rises to top revealing the most skilled, naturally talented, experienced, and well-trained amateurs and professionals.  The best dancers are the winners, and rightfully so!

However, competition can be friendly and good sportsmanship only highlights the joy that dance brings to life!  Let’s face it, dancing is fun!  In the end, we are all winners for just having enlightened our bodies and minds through this beautiful art!

My San Antonio friends have mastered this team spirit!  And I am very proud to say that my newly formed Balance Competitive Ballroom Dance Team has, as well!

MANY CONGRATULATIONS to Kathy, Kelly, Shawna, Chloe, Karla, Dawn, Joe and my wonderful wife, Kellie, for their individual achievements at the Southwestern Invitational Championships.  More, congratulations to all for their combined achievement as a team! 

They are all winners!