Some regulars in Studio 22 were out to a Tango festival in Austin, so they told me that there were less people. But I had a good time. A legendary couple with 50 years of Tango teaching history, Nito and Elba, was in Dallas for workshops, and they were at a table, talking with friends. It would be nice if we could invite them to Oklahoma. I'd talk with some people around about it, but it is kind of short notice. I am not certain whether it comes true or not this time. Let's see.
Then I attended Dallas DANCE for the Sunday 9/6 including late night dance. The dancers were very welcoming and the event experience as a guest was very positive. I have many dance friends met and danced in Dallas DANCE over years, and I cannot thank enough for that.
However, since there is no hiding, I point out one obvious thing; the event has shrank. They used to use bigger ballroom in the second floor, now they use first floor ballroom with 2/3 in size. They used to have Showcase division, Cabaret division, and Classic division, which were major shows in the event. This year these divisions were gone. How sad.
Perhaps it is just the tide of time. I am not sure how popular WCS is now overall compared with, say, 20 years ago. Or perhaps it is competition among events. Newer events popped up everywhere and other times of the year, and now we can choose events to attend among many. For eager competitors, big events are not always meritorious if big means more competitors and tough contest. Probably some top pros are busy taking care of their own business, traveling, or attending their own event. For many dancers, making it to Dallas in a major holiday may not be as convenient any more.
Also, event participation costs a lot. If you can do with less-expensive event nearby, rather than traveling, costing yourself a not-so-cheap amount of money, you may rather choose to support and attend neighboring event. That's understandable, too.
It is a shame that Dallas DANCE now plays less role in inviting or attracting nationwide dancers and mingle various styles of Swing.
Dallas DANCE may be losing a position of national big swing dance event, and we may miss some of unbelievably good dancers coming with serious routine for show.
But other than that, it still is a good regional event. I enjoyed it. Thank you very much.
I need a good and long sleep after a late night dancing till 4am, which I had not have for a while (come to think of it, I did not dance WCS much this summer for other businesses including trips to Japan).
I am beginning to apply a new policy of enjoying (smaller amount of) quality dance (i.e. the dance should feel good and look good). For the purpose I aim at making all the dance as enjoyable as I can for both sides, me and my partner. In the regard, this trip was successful. I enjoyed all dances I had there, and I appreciate it.
[Dallas DANCE Sunday schedule]
.
