Competition is the process of trying to beat others: the process of trying to win or do better than others, a contest, an activity in which people try to win something or do it better than others.
"Do you ever question why our educational system teaches
competition rather than cooperation?"
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Katusha Demidova and Arunas Bizokas |
In dancing, the International Style of Dance is at the forefront of competitive dancing. And with reason, they have the judges with the best dance credentials for their own type of dance in the world. They have decided that Ballroom dancing is their kuleana, and I agree with them, it is rightfully theirs.
Only recently have they come to judge the teachers of this type of dance. So that it is becoming a subject for discussion on who teaches best. We have already heard of the two best groups consistently producing the best International Style dancers on this island.
"Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" by the Andrews Sisters
Since we are in no position to judge, then the International wannabees must be the ones to judge by any rules that they wish. It's in their kuleana but they must do it in order to learn it best.
Dance competitions are now organized and conducted by independent competition production companies. There are approximately 200 such companies operating in the United States and Canada alone. Competition production companies move from one metropolitan area to another, stopping for a few days in each area to conduct a regional competition.
"There! I've Said It Again" by Vaughn Monroe
By touring in this manner, these companies are able to generate profits while at the same time enabling significant numbers of dancers to attend local competitions. They should be here this coming year and they will make millions. Some companies also conduct one or more national competitions after their regional tours have ended.
The competitive dance industry has no oversight body or standards organization, although at least one effort is underway to establish a limited set of competition rules and safety standards in the industry. Most companies conduct regional tours from approximately January through May, while National competitions generally run from June through August.
Pub's Side Note: Check out the blog by Kapolei Chapter HBDA in the Oahu - West blog. We congratulate Lorna Depew and the entire Chapter for coming through like champs for the reader/dancers of our community. There is a reason why it is the largest chapter in HBDA. The feedback is in the hits.