Some excellent dancing was enjoyed in all the finals and it was gratifying to note that couples are beginning to develop more individual styling, rather than just following the popular trends.
B.A.S.E. noted that there was an improvement in Floorcraft this year, although a number of couples are still dancing too close to the edge of the floor, thus interfering with judges and
restricting the view of spectators.
B.A.S.E. was delighted to see that some of the Latin couples were confident enough to dance basics in some of the dances without the addition of syncopations. There was more use of
authentic choreography and more individuality seen in the Latin as well.
There were some very elegant partnerships on the floor, presenting a delightful picture. However, grooming is still an issue with a number of couples and B.A.S.E. feels it is important to point out
to them how important personal hygiene and grooming is to the competitive couple if they wish to reach the top in their careers. Insufficient attention to cleanliness, tanning, make-up and
costume could prevent you from reaching the podium as it can detract from the quality of the dancing. Ballroom Gentlemen should take care that the collars of their shirts are large enough so
that the collar stud is not visible. The tail suit, white shirt, collar and tie is traditional and should look elegant and sophisticated. Excess strap from Ladies Latin sandals should be trimmed so that
the strap flapping does not detract from the elegance of the dance.
B.A.S.E. would like to see couples using more characterization in the dances in both Ballroom and Latin, although without unnecessary facial grimaces and aggression seen mostly in Tango. A
more obvious connection between the couple would also be desirable.
In all dances a reduction in the overly large steps and the amount of syncopations used would be appreciated. This would aid in maintaining the appropriate characterization of each dance.
B.A.S.E. feels that more attention should be given to the frame. In the Ballroom there seemed to be a trend for many of the men to have their lady too far to their right side. This caused the lady
to have a hyperextended right arm and a distorted position and neckline. The beautiful Ballroom poise and hold is lost. Couples should revisit the reasons why the lady’s position within the
frame is so important. B.A.S.E. would also like to see more understanding of the importance of the ladies using their feet, rather than just using them as decoration. This would apply to the Latin
as well.
With regard to the Latin dances, B.A.S.E. noticed that foot and body rhythm and footwork in Samba required some attention, and that the Paso Doble would benefit from the inclusion of more
basic figures. This would give more characterization to the dance and seeing more dancing in hold.
B.A.S.E. feels that the Under 21 couples would benefit from spending more time with their coaches improving the basic fundamentals of each dance and gaining a full understanding of the importance of foot usage, rather than focusing on speed and power.
The 2018 B.A.S.E Blackpool photo line up from left to right is:
Jukka Haapalainen, Espen Salberg, Evelyn Hormann, Lynn Harman, Nicola Nordin, Hazel Fletcher, Loraine Barry, Denise Weavers, Janet Gleave, Carmen, Caterina Arzenon, Hanna Kartunnen, Michael Barr, Hans Galke, Colin James.
Missing from this line up were:
Richard Gleave, Alison Fulham, Kenny Welsh, Peter Eggleton, Stephen Hillier MBE, Anthony Hurley, Meryem Pearson.
B.A.S.E. (Body for Artistic Standards of Excellence)
