By Clarence Chung, Makapuu Point
Alex Moore’s Ballroom Dancing (the “bible” of International style written in 1916) while occasionally updated is still basically the same as 100 years ago. Licensing has been brought up on Oahu in the past and who would give the tests? Who would create the standards, decide what dances are acceptable. And what individual or group would be pompous (and foolish) enough to consider only their way right or superior? Only someone who is extremely narrow minded and lacks (or fears) creativity. Any competitor will tell you their style is a sport. Social dancing, our style, as an art is a matter of individual taste.
The market place will usually rid the market of unqualified teachers. Who wants to study from teachers who are not admired or are unable to convey their knowledge? American or social style dancers try not fall into the trap that International dancers have boxed themselves into. We should all agree that we disagree. That’s what keeps American style alive, unique, creative and always fresh. The moment we succumb to uniformity, we cease to grow.
Let us not bicker over which way is superior or right. For social dancers, our only criteria should be that our material is leadable and followable. And most of us are comfortable with the KISS method, "keep it simple stupid." A few of us want to show off a little, that's OK too. Dance styles constantly change to reflect changing music, social factors and life-styles. Let’s welcome all who want to dance and grow and learn from all, - And let's keep on dancing.
Alex Moore’s Ballroom Dancing (the “bible” of International style written in 1916) while occasionally updated is still basically the same as 100 years ago. Licensing has been brought up on Oahu in the past and who would give the tests? Who would create the standards, decide what dances are acceptable. And what individual or group would be pompous (and foolish) enough to consider only their way right or superior? Only someone who is extremely narrow minded and lacks (or fears) creativity. Any competitor will tell you their style is a sport. Social dancing, our style, as an art is a matter of individual taste.
“Use what talents you possess, the woods will be very silent if
no birds sang there except those that sang best.”
The market place will usually rid the market of unqualified teachers. Who wants to study from teachers who are not admired or are unable to convey their knowledge? American or social style dancers try not fall into the trap that International dancers have boxed themselves into. We should all agree that we disagree. That’s what keeps American style alive, unique, creative and always fresh. The moment we succumb to uniformity, we cease to grow.
"Little Things Mean A Lot" by Kitty Kallen
Let us not bicker over which way is superior or right. For social dancers, our only criteria should be that our material is leadable and followable. And most of us are comfortable with the KISS method, "keep it simple stupid." A few of us want to show off a little, that's OK too. Dance styles constantly change to reflect changing music, social factors and life-styles. Let’s welcome all who want to dance and grow and learn from all, - And let's keep on dancing.
They asked him at the night club: "What's the difference between a dog and a fox?"
He said, "Oh about 3 drinks."
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