Competition Dance, Part two.

By Ray Ogawa, Honokai Hale
Continued from Platininum Horseshoe blog.

It wasn't until the 1950s and 1960s that English style really started catching on internationally, and a name change to International style (and later, Standard). Between then and now, there has probably been more influence of International style on American than vice versa, but it's been an influence on an established style, not a derivation.

"Truth may not only be violated by falsehood but

it can be equally outraged by silence."

It was introduced into Hawaii in the 60s when the ballroom dance scene on Oahu was expanding with new dance clubs. It was then introduced as the "correct" way to the International Style. And later it was assumed as the "correct" way to ballroom dance and no other qualifications. What did these hicks know about dancing? Many people bit on it.

The revival late in the last century, of the music and dance of the 50s and 60s, by the Wasabi Band, the Oldies/Goodies group and many DJs, shows a huge protest against institutional type dancing represented by the International stylists. It is coming more strongly in this new century. Anyone ever heard of Night Club dancing?

"Lay a Little Lovin' On Me" by Robin Mcnamara

 

The "original documentation" by the Internationals was heavily political in character. It was not simply descriptive, but also prescriptive, largely and primarily in the interests of the English dance teachers involved. They established a power base formed by having organized the first extensive dance competition system which they exported around the British Empire and the name change cemented their superiority.

"Somewhere Over The Rainbow" by Bruddah Iz

And now in a new century, with the attraction of competition dance on TV slowing down, many people are refocusing on the social type dancing. This is effectively represented by the American Style of dance, in which you dance primarily to move to the music of your choice. It's more of a fun thing, not easily understood by the higher, deluxe classes in our dance world.

There is more? Yes, there is.

Ray