'Presentation and Style' in Old Time dancing was the next lecture given by Robert and Louise Aldred. A well thought out comprehensive study of how to achieve style and swing including useful tips and exercises was explained by Robert. These basic principals were then shown through their very elegant demonstration of the Lilac Waltz and Tango Serida.

Keeping up to date with current music trends, Dick Matthys from Belgium taught a rhythmic 'Disco Latino' routine which consisted of four bar interchangeable units combining Disco and Latin actions. Well received and very useful for our classes. Dick has an inimitable way of teaching through his natural rhythmic voice.

Vernon Kemp chose two contrasting 'Social Sequence' dances which I am sure will be very popular for everyone's classes and party nights. Partnered by Diana Wykes and Edita Doncakova, Vernon presented and taught both sequences with the clarity and expertise that he has become renown for.

Sunday.
Report by Pat Woor

'Technical Update Jive'

In the absence of Elizabeth Romain this lecture was very ably presented by Marion Brown and Lorna Lee. The Figures were clearly described and presented with style and humour in a relaxed professional manner. Examples were shown and comparisons made highlighting the new introductions to the Syllabus figures. An interesting and informative lecture.

'The Lesson' Lecturer: Graham Oswick

A detailed step by step look into a private lesson with Graham. Beginning with the body position, use of the feet, weight distribution and movement, through to the demonstration of the fan and hockey stick applying these heightened principles. An interesting lecture, consisting of the general approach, in this casse, to the Junior couple, not only as their dance teacher but also as their Mentor.

'Rumba & Cha Cha Cha' Lecturers: Michael Wentink & Beata

The Rumba variation consisted of some basic figures using the timing and various spiral movements to advance the work. The Cha Cha Cha variation was varied in content and also consisted of interesting use of the music. Both dances were beautifully demonstrated by Michael and Beata providing us all with some new and challenging work to take back to our schools.

'Jive and Samba' Lecturer: Keith Clifton

Keith presented easy to learn, attractive variations in both dances, ably demonstrated by his son, Kevin and partner, Lisa. Expertly taught in Keith's inimitable humorous style the groups were very well received. A lovely ending to Sunday's lectures everyone left the floor with a smile on their faces and some more good work stored for their pupils.

'Mini Lectures in Rumba and Cha Cha Cha'

'Rumba' Lecturer: Thomas Smith
Thomas presented his first lecture with the assistance of Mary Deville, presenting a combination of movements based on Syllabus figures. The group was interesting with different ideas of amalgamation

'Cha Cha Cha' Lecturer: Martin Lanston
The second first time lecture was given by Martin assisted by Julie Tomkins presenting an easy to learn amalgamation using basic steps cleverly constructed with split beat movements that enhanced the work

'Going for Gold Paso Doble' Lecturer: Lorraine Kuznik

A Technical lecture from Lorraine assisted by Neil Dewar highlighting some of the new work from the revised technique. Shaping was demonstrated and explained and the Fregolina and Chasse Cape were thoroughly analysed with Lorraine giving all the teachers the opportunity to join her and Neil on the floor to be guided through the technique shown.

'Going for Gold Samba' Lecturer: Julie Tomkins

Julie assisted by Martin Lawston demonstrated and analysed the Cruzados Walks and Loucs and the Samba Loucs with precedes and follows and then invited us all to join her to dance an amalgamation with these figures included. Similarly, the natural and reverse roll, promenade and counter promenade runs, roundabout and Argentine crosses with variation were explored with audience participation.

'Paso Doble and Jive' Lecturer: Lorna Lee
assisted by Michael Wentink and Beata

In the middle of these two dances we had the pleasure of an unexpected demonstration from Michael Stylianos showing a remarkable resemblance to Michael Wentink's performance of the previous evening - I think he even borrowed his costume!

'Reflections' The LA Faculty and Peggy Spencer MBE

Marion Brown introduced the Latin committee each in turn then shared with us memories of Pierre and Lavelle and the origins of Latin American dancing.
Peggy Spencer spoke about the earlier dancer and dance teacher and the effects that the innovation of Latin American dancing had on them and the problems they experienced in teaching the men to use their hips and arms.

Peggy also told us how the public had not understood the music and Edmundo Ros had converted this to an acceptable sound.
Mention was also made of various names that were responsible for the early days of this dance form such as - John and Grade Delroy, Doris Nicolls, Gwenethe Walshe, Dimitri Petrides.

Peggy went on to tell us about the origins of Jive in this country and how it was brought over here initially by the American GI's during the war in the form of the 'Jitterbug'.

The dance was eventually banned from many dance halls as the lifts and throws presented a danger. This factor produced the need for a safer, flatter dance and our Jive was born.

Michael told us of his memories of a difficult era when the music was fast and the movements were slow - which has now actually become the reverse and that with the developing style of today how Latin Dancing has become more of a sport. Michael went on to demonstrate for us 'The Flying Angel' and the 'Machisse' two Samba figures that were very popular in the past. He was ably assisted in this by Marion. Lorna told us a story about Michael's revolutionary white suit that paved the way for the men to wear different colours and to move away from the traditional black. Michael actually received wolf whistles at the first wearing! which of course we acknowledged. Graham was asked to speak as the youngest member of the committee about the future as he sees it. He responded by saying that he envisages dancing to become more natural, more normal and more acceptable to the general public.

'Milonga' Lecturer: Ralf Schiller

Ralf and his assistant (pictured left) presented this lively dance showing us nine different steps to be used and teaching them in stages, allowing us the opportunity to try out the leading and following of the various movements in between the instruction.

A lively, happy note on which to finish Monday, and of course our Congress for the Year 2000.

The first lecture of the day introduced us to two new lectures, Gareth Hunt & Paul Parsons (pictured left).

Gareth gave us a lecture on Waltz, partnered by Miss Emily Spink. The variation was free moving, using syllabus figures, making a feature of the running feather & oversway into the corner. Gareth gave a confident, well rehearsed first lecture for the ISTD.

Paul's lecture was on quickstep and he was partnered by Miss Pauline Collison. This variation showed an interesting use of the whisk, wing & slow curved three step, surrounded by good use of syllabus figures. Once again a very good confident first lecture. Both of these new lecturers delivered what was asked of them, and had large enthusiastic audience participation, whom I am sure will use the work in their own studios.

The second Ballroom lecture of the day was presented by Mr Len Goodman, the title being 'Children's Saturday Morning Class'.

The final Ballroom lecture of the morning was 'Slow Foxtrot Take It Easy' presented by Robert & Barbara Grover.

Three important points of correct connections were explained clearly and precisely, yet in an easy to understand way.

The three points covered included -

1. 'Each Other'. Where the importance of the connection of the man's left hand, his body & right arm are vital to achieve the 'quality look'.
2. 'The Floor' and how quality movement is achieved by using the standing leg & foot.
3. 'The Music'. This point explained how a couple can achieve good musicality throughout their dance performance.

Once again Robert & Barbara gave us an exceptional top class lecture.

After lunch the first lecture was presented by Miss Marion Lane partnered by Mr Mark Willemite. The theme for this lecture was 'Easy Variations for Small Studios in Slow Foxtrot & Quickstep'.

Marion gave us two very usable variations. In Slow Foxtrot we were given an interesting use of the Natural twist turn with open imputes ending into an oversway. The quickstep variation allowed for free movement and was as asked, suitable for a small studio.

We move to the final day of Congress 2000.

A quick glance at the programme shows there are still many good quality lectures to come.

The first Ballroom lecturer on Sunday was Miss Betty Bouston, with 'Easy Variations in Waltz and Tango'. To assist Betty were Bruce Lait and Amy Bennett. In the two variations Betty chose a theme of the wing, hinge and swivels. Both groupings showed the character of the dances, with good use of movements and change of line and shape. Indeed something for everyone to use in their weekly class.

The final lecture before lunch was a business lecture entitled 'How I Run My Business'. This was an extremely hard lecture to put across, however Reg Challinor and Phillip Perry handled the task and put their views forward.

Reg stressed amongst many points the importance of personal contact, and in his case specials on combination packages that he offered to his clients. Phillip presented us with the ideas of premises, glamour and buzz and most importantly standards. There were many thought-provoking ideas to consider from both lecturers, on how to stimulate and develop business ideas and opportunities.

The final Ballroom lecture of Congress 2000 was presented by Miss Monica Needham, the subject 'Characterisation of Tango'.

Monica's demonstrators were Frederic and Vicki Frennesson.

With the assistance of her demonstrators, Monica showed how Tango more than any of the other Ballroom dances has changed so much in recent years, with the use of unusual figures and how the action has developed and changed. Monica's wealth of experience in training the advanced dancer could easily be seen. We saw an interesting use of count and how the top class dancer produces speed, stillness atmosphere and calm.

As always our three days at Worthing Congress pass so quickly. This year was no exception; the styles and rhythm of all the Dance Sport Faculties were covered. We were given everything from the easy variations to use in classes to the detailed analysis of the top competitive dancer.

There was the serious and the humourous, all of which makes Worthing Congress an event not to be missed.

The weather again was excellent, enabling the delegates to get some sun and fresh air in the little free time available.

The lectures were of the highest standard and have given the teachers enough work for the coming months, so get out your diary and write in these dates, 28th, 29th & 30th July 2001, to get ready for next year. You really don't want to miss out. Hope to see you there.

Richard Hunt

Back to top

Buffet Dance

I was delighted to be asked to write a report on the Buffet Dance and Cabaret by the new Chairman of the ISTD, Mr Robert Grover. Although happy to write about the occassion I think Mr Grover sensed my apprehension about commenting on the dancing. He suggested that I might want to enlist the help of someone with a professional eye, so let me start by thanking Pat Goode for her assistance in writing this article.

On arriving at the Assembly Hall in Worthing it was no surprise that the warm weather experienced during the day was still with us in the evening. With one or two last minute matters to attend to, it wasn't long before we were asked to take our seats.

A slight delay in the commencement of the buffet was more than made up for by our compere, Nicky Miles, who kept us all entertained! After dining the dancing began. The music for the evening was provided by Tony Loose under the direction of Nicky Miles.

The dancing was enjoyed by all and it wasn't long before the Cabaret was upon us. Michael Wentink & Beata (pictured left) provided one of the most entertaining performances I have witnessed and judging by the reaction of the audience I was not alone in marveling at their performance.

Even a layman, such as myself, could not fail to be impressed by the wonderful control in their dancing, how very rhythmic and absolutely together as a couple they were. Thank you Michael and Beata for a wonderful demonstration.