Sitemap
|
|
November Contest
Write a short explanation or interpretation of what the truth is behind the small participation in dance contests. The best one will win a FREE private lesson. I'm specifically thinking of the Dancing Under the Stars contest at Thommy G's on November 3, but this really applies to any dance contest or competition.
All last week I was judging at Ohio Star Ball, in September I was judging at the United States National DanceSport Championships, and in July I was judging at the North American Championships, so over the last few months I have seen alot of competition dancers. Most of them dance for fun. Some of the fun is in preparing, some of it is in the close association with the partner(s) while preparing and competing, some of the fun is in winning, some of it is just being in the atmosphere of the ballroom. I think everything about dancing and competing is positive in one way or another. It has never seemed possible that a person would choose not to dance or even to choose not to compete. Why would a person not enter a local dance contest? It was not expensive, there were no requirements to fill, it was not far a way, the prizes were good, so why were there only 14 entries?
ENTRY #1
Hi Sandra, I thought I would enter the contest, here is my explanation:
As a new dancer with no experience and participating in two contests, I feel the truth about the participation is having fun! I never imagined myself dancing in front of an audience let alone entering contests but I have to say it is one of the best things I have done in my whole life. It is great to entertain people while having fun and getting in shape. Who would not want to do that!! It makes you feel really good when someone tells you that they enjoyed watching you dance. Not only have you had fun but you were able to put a smile on someones face. That is better than any monetary prize you could receive.
The support and encouragement from everyone at UDC from Sandy and Brian, the teachers and the students from all classes is incredible. With them anyone can enter a contest and have a great time doing it no matter how much dance experience you have. Thanks! Kim
_____________________________________________________
ENTRY #2
Hi Sandi, I enjoy and love to dance. Dance contests - I can only dream of it, I can never have it. becasue my family obligations give me very limit to dance. Than, there is partner issue, I don't have neither... shiaman
_____________________________________________________
ENTRY #3
Why so little participation in the dance contest?
I heard a number of people ask one another at the Dancing Under the Stars contest at Thommy G's "Why didn't you enter?"
I think most people do not enter because they feel they are not good enough and would be unable to find a partner or the time to practice. Just like me, they settle for being in the audience clapping and yelling out the number of their favorite couple.
When I am seated in the audience I have no fears of wearing an ugly inappropriate outfit and dancing really bad with someone I had to beg to be my partner. I am safe from embarrassment but I am missing out on the contest.
I think the varying abilities of the contestants at Thommy G's demonstrated to some of us chickens that our reasons for not participating are just poor excuses. I hope I can
remember that when the next opportunity to entertain people and possibly win something comes along.-Cristy
______________________________________________________
ENTRY #4
My thoughts are: a guy or a gal will do almost anything to promote their (most elusive and misunderstood) ego. A challenge is what is needed to have a person dig deep and get in touch with their competitive spirit. The will to win is present in all of us and is a strong motivator.
Dance contests can be promoted as a "dare", an exciting adventure. An opportunity. A possibility. A way to express who we really are.
Yes, it might be considered a risk to some people, but what kind of risk? A risk to ego? Get over it. It should be made a "must" in your minds, and you "gotta go for it".
One has to imagine the thrill of participation. The exhilaration of having done something worthwhile. The whole universe will align with the person once they commit. Their skill will improve to meet the mission. The right clothes will appear, the confidence will start to get stronger, and attitude will be unstoppable. A person's whole identity will change when it has "purpose". And, a dance contest definitely has "purpose".
The outcome you want, ain't available unless you take action. So put all that baggage aside and just go for it, NOW! Accept that DARE, today! ... Joe Vanore
_____________________________________________________________
ENTRY #5
Hi! It's Nina from the Monday night rumba & foxtrot classes! Thanks in advance for reading and sorry that it's so long!
Obviously since I am new to Universal I know very little about the specific dance contest to which the question is in reference, but I still wanted to answer why I think people might be hesitant to get involved in a dance contest in general. Of course there is the seemingly obvious answer that people are nervous of dancing in front of an audience because they are concerned that they will not perform perfectly, that something will go wrong, that they are not as good as the other dancers. It's so much easier for someone to just watch those who are performing, possibly enviously and possibly with the thought that at some point in the future he or she will be confident enough in his or her dance ability to participate as well.
However, I think there is also another, more subconscious possibility. To quote Marianne Williamson: Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. It's not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." In other words, maybe the real issue for some people is they really do want to and honestly do think they are good enough to participate, but are afraid of what other people will think and are afraid of being in the limelight. Not because they fear failure, but they fear change, they fear interrupting the familiar routine of life to embrace a challenge. Deep down they know that overcoming nerves and discovering something that might be an amazing experience could cause them to re-evaluate ambitions and raise the bar for their goals, not only in dancing but in other aspects of life as well.
Personally, I have always felt that the hardest part of anything I have done that I perceived as a challenge was making the decision to do it, without regard to what would happen or what people would think and with only the resolve and determination to do it to the best of my ability and trust that things would fall into place from there. And as the second part of Williamson's quotation tells us, once more people do overcome this psychological block, it will inevitably motivate more and more people who otherwise wouldn't do it to take the opportunity to have this experience as well.
_____________________________________________________________
ENTRY #6
Sandy, I think the most prominent reason is "Fear." We all want to win, but while watching the "really great dancers" dance, we lessen the quality of what we can really do. Many folks are shy. I believe inside their heart they want to give it a shot, but the fear wins over. Also, ladies, like me, face weight and age issues. We all want to look young and look beautiful while on the floor, but all of us are not like that. The dance world is very competitive. The final issue I believe that plays a major factor, for at least competition is finances. Many private lessons are required to compete to be good (like me, if I'm not going to dance really well, I don't want to enter - when I go back to work I hope to be able to start up our lessons again - especially Meg - she really wants to compete), there are fees to be paid, costumes to be bought, shoes, etc. Money, sometimes can be a major concern.
I wonder if other folks expressed the same!
Maryann
________________________________________________________
ENTRY #7
A misunderstanding of "contest" and "competition". Both words are derived from Latin with an emphasis on with rather than against. "Contest" (con-with and testor-to give evidence) and "competition" (com-with and peto- to seek) both have the sense of an action with another. Literally, "contest" means to give evidence with another. "Competition" literally means to seek with another. Significance is placed on with not against. We contest with others, we do not contest against others (that would be "contratesting"). We compete with others, not against others (that would be "contrapetition").
Properly understood, dance contests/competitions should be about the dignity of dance in which the organizers and couples promote the pursuit of personal satisfaction and personal excellence in dance, not the stroking of egos. Events which emphasize the prize often induce "contrapetition", a destructive tendency of the human condition.
The good news is that you can decide between competition and "contrapetition"! You can decide between a contest and a "contratest"! Take the high road of competition and contest. It's constructive and worth the extra effort. Avoid the low road of "contrapetition" and contratest". It's often unpleasant and ultimately destructive. The third option is to take the no road and get nowhere. Andrew
All last week I was judging at Ohio Star Ball, in September I was judging at the United States National DanceSport Championships, and in July I was judging at the North American Championships, so over the last few months I have seen alot of competition dancers. Most of them dance for fun. Some of the fun is in preparing, some of it is in the close association with the partner(s) while preparing and competing, some of the fun is in winning, some of it is just being in the atmosphere of the ballroom. I think everything about dancing and competing is positive in one way or another. It has never seemed possible that a person would choose not to dance or even to choose not to compete. Why would a person not enter a local dance contest? It was not expensive, there were no requirements to fill, it was not far a way, the prizes were good, so why were there only 14 entries?
ENTRY #1
Hi Sandra, I thought I would enter the contest, here is my explanation:
As a new dancer with no experience and participating in two contests, I feel the truth about the participation is having fun! I never imagined myself dancing in front of an audience let alone entering contests but I have to say it is one of the best things I have done in my whole life. It is great to entertain people while having fun and getting in shape. Who would not want to do that!! It makes you feel really good when someone tells you that they enjoyed watching you dance. Not only have you had fun but you were able to put a smile on someones face. That is better than any monetary prize you could receive.
The support and encouragement from everyone at UDC from Sandy and Brian, the teachers and the students from all classes is incredible. With them anyone can enter a contest and have a great time doing it no matter how much dance experience you have. Thanks! Kim
_____________________________________________________
ENTRY #2
Hi Sandi, I enjoy and love to dance. Dance contests - I can only dream of it, I can never have it. becasue my family obligations give me very limit to dance. Than, there is partner issue, I don't have neither... shiaman
_____________________________________________________
ENTRY #3
Why so little participation in the dance contest?
I heard a number of people ask one another at the Dancing Under the Stars contest at Thommy G's "Why didn't you enter?"
I think most people do not enter because they feel they are not good enough and would be unable to find a partner or the time to practice. Just like me, they settle for being in the audience clapping and yelling out the number of their favorite couple.
When I am seated in the audience I have no fears of wearing an ugly inappropriate outfit and dancing really bad with someone I had to beg to be my partner. I am safe from embarrassment but I am missing out on the contest.
I think the varying abilities of the contestants at Thommy G's demonstrated to some of us chickens that our reasons for not participating are just poor excuses. I hope I can
remember that when the next opportunity to entertain people and possibly win something comes along.-Cristy
______________________________________________________
ENTRY #4
My thoughts are: a guy or a gal will do almost anything to promote their (most elusive and misunderstood) ego. A challenge is what is needed to have a person dig deep and get in touch with their competitive spirit. The will to win is present in all of us and is a strong motivator.
Dance contests can be promoted as a "dare", an exciting adventure. An opportunity. A possibility. A way to express who we really are.
Yes, it might be considered a risk to some people, but what kind of risk? A risk to ego? Get over it. It should be made a "must" in your minds, and you "gotta go for it".
One has to imagine the thrill of participation. The exhilaration of having done something worthwhile. The whole universe will align with the person once they commit. Their skill will improve to meet the mission. The right clothes will appear, the confidence will start to get stronger, and attitude will be unstoppable. A person's whole identity will change when it has "purpose". And, a dance contest definitely has "purpose".
The outcome you want, ain't available unless you take action. So put all that baggage aside and just go for it, NOW! Accept that DARE, today! ... Joe Vanore
_____________________________________________________________
ENTRY #5
Hi! It's Nina from the Monday night rumba & foxtrot classes! Thanks in advance for reading and sorry that it's so long!
Obviously since I am new to Universal I know very little about the specific dance contest to which the question is in reference, but I still wanted to answer why I think people might be hesitant to get involved in a dance contest in general. Of course there is the seemingly obvious answer that people are nervous of dancing in front of an audience because they are concerned that they will not perform perfectly, that something will go wrong, that they are not as good as the other dancers. It's so much easier for someone to just watch those who are performing, possibly enviously and possibly with the thought that at some point in the future he or she will be confident enough in his or her dance ability to participate as well.
However, I think there is also another, more subconscious possibility. To quote Marianne Williamson: Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. It's not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." In other words, maybe the real issue for some people is they really do want to and honestly do think they are good enough to participate, but are afraid of what other people will think and are afraid of being in the limelight. Not because they fear failure, but they fear change, they fear interrupting the familiar routine of life to embrace a challenge. Deep down they know that overcoming nerves and discovering something that might be an amazing experience could cause them to re-evaluate ambitions and raise the bar for their goals, not only in dancing but in other aspects of life as well.
Personally, I have always felt that the hardest part of anything I have done that I perceived as a challenge was making the decision to do it, without regard to what would happen or what people would think and with only the resolve and determination to do it to the best of my ability and trust that things would fall into place from there. And as the second part of Williamson's quotation tells us, once more people do overcome this psychological block, it will inevitably motivate more and more people who otherwise wouldn't do it to take the opportunity to have this experience as well.
_____________________________________________________________
ENTRY #6
Sandy, I think the most prominent reason is "Fear." We all want to win, but while watching the "really great dancers" dance, we lessen the quality of what we can really do. Many folks are shy. I believe inside their heart they want to give it a shot, but the fear wins over. Also, ladies, like me, face weight and age issues. We all want to look young and look beautiful while on the floor, but all of us are not like that. The dance world is very competitive. The final issue I believe that plays a major factor, for at least competition is finances. Many private lessons are required to compete to be good (like me, if I'm not going to dance really well, I don't want to enter - when I go back to work I hope to be able to start up our lessons again - especially Meg - she really wants to compete), there are fees to be paid, costumes to be bought, shoes, etc. Money, sometimes can be a major concern.
I wonder if other folks expressed the same!
Maryann
________________________________________________________
ENTRY #7
A misunderstanding of "contest" and "competition". Both words are derived from Latin with an emphasis on with rather than against. "Contest" (con-with and testor-to give evidence) and "competition" (com-with and peto- to seek) both have the sense of an action with another. Literally, "contest" means to give evidence with another. "Competition" literally means to seek with another. Significance is placed on with not against. We contest with others, we do not contest against others (that would be "contratesting"). We compete with others, not against others (that would be "contrapetition").
Properly understood, dance contests/competitions should be about the dignity of dance in which the organizers and couples promote the pursuit of personal satisfaction and personal excellence in dance, not the stroking of egos. Events which emphasize the prize often induce "contrapetition", a destructive tendency of the human condition.
The good news is that you can decide between competition and "contrapetition"! You can decide between a contest and a "contratest"! Take the high road of competition and contest. It's constructive and worth the extra effort. Avoid the low road of "contrapetition" and contratest". It's often unpleasant and ultimately destructive. The third option is to take the no road and get nowhere. Andrew
|
