Change of Location, but Platinum keeps its Vibe!

Report by Keith Todd
Photos by Decadance Photography

For the past two years, Platinum Dancesport has been nestled in Downtown Miami, right on the historic Venetian Causeway and incidentally about five minutes from my house.  Hotel issues forced a move for this one year only, but the EB of Platinum, Mr. Scott Washburn, was able to secure the organizers, Igor & Polina Pilipenchuk, a place in the Airport Hilton.

"Dance is a conversation between body and soul." 

This is a comfortable hotel with excellent convention facilities and the advantages of an airport shuttle.  It is a little further from the delights of South Beach, but I believe many intrepid competitors made the trip to my “hood.”  Certainly we saw many of them (Sunday) the day after the event enjoying the sun and sand.

You are not a member. Please subscribe Here and Now!

Dancing in Jaffa
A Famous Palestinian dancer takes his unique talent to the city of his birth.

By Keith Todd

On April 11th 2014 a documentary entitled “Dancing in Jaffa” opens in New York.  Executive Producers are LaToya Jackson, Nigel Lythgoe (So You Think You Can Dance) and Morgan Spurlock.  The Director is Hilla Medalia (To Die in Jerusalem), the Producer is Diane Nabatoff (Take the Lead) and the star is  - Pierre Dulaine.

You are not a member. Please subscribe Here and Now!

New Organizer Joins Maryland Team

Report by Keith Todd
Photos by Ryan Kenner Photography
The mother/daughter team of Glenis Dee and Andrea Ringold, were joined at he helm of the Maryland Dancesport by veteran pro-am competitor and industry professional, Blake Kish.  With over 6,000 entries this also coincided with the largest event in the competition’s history.

"Dancing: the vertical expresion of a horizontal desire legalized by music."

You are not a member. Please subscribe Here and Now!

WDSF Final Grand Slam in Shanghai China

Report by Renata Shvarts

Every December for the past 5 years Shanghai graciously hosts the grandest and the most prestigious WDSF event in the world.

"Opportunity dances with those already on the dance floor." 

The Final Grand Slam invites the top 12 couples based on their performance scores through the year at the other 5 Grand Slam events.  In 2013 the 5 countries that had the honor of hosting Grand Slam competitions were: Spain, Hong Kong, Germany, Beijing and Moscow.  The biggest difference between Grand Slam events and traditional competitions is the judging system.  Created especially for Grand Slams, this system strives to take subjectivity out of judging. It is modeled after the system used in judging figure skating.  The vision is of course is to perfect it in order to, one day, use it in The Olympic Games.

You are not a member. Please subscribe Here and Now!

Boston Cup Junior II Latin

Report by Bill Sparks

1st place couple Kristers Smite & Sophie Shvartsman - Good Winners. They danced everything quite well with nice chorography, and controlled body actions. I would have liked to see a bit more body dynamics and energy as well as finishing off their movements for an even stronger floor presence.

You are not a member. Please subscribe Here and Now!