Champs Comments/Results

[Minnie M]

Following on from Peter's post on the "Ceroc Champs" thread:-

Really great day and very very tiring - lots of great dancing and dancers and most coming from Forumites. I am sure a full results listing will be on here shortly - I am too tired to remember them all BUT to the following forumites:-

ChrisA & Jayne - Mazeltov, very well deserved 3rd Place (I would have placed you first) - you danced beautifully

Dale + Debster - :worthy:

David & Lily - amazing incredible :worthy: what more can you say

Will & Kate - beautiful to watch - so much grace

Martin, Lily (again) and the lovely but not a forumite Janet - the best "double trouble" I have EVER seen

Boozie Bird & Geordied - you waz robbed matey, thought you were great

Andy & Mr. Sheepman - what can you say :wink: old gits at their best - great dancing

Mary - a joy to watch

Pammy & Tony - nice dancing (loved the sexy wiggles Pammy)

Fran - always love watching you dance, so feminine

James G + Mandy - I thought you not only looked good, you were dancing well too - IMO you should have made the finals, they should have stretched it to 6 couples !

The quiet one (my name sake) - didn't you do well and it was great to watch

URBAN METRO Adam + other forum members - WICKED !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Daisy & Ray - YOU WOZ ROBBED !!! Can't understand what happed there :angry:

Simon ???? What happened there ?? can't believe you were out so quickly

Trampy - considering you only picked your partner on the day - well done !

Kate & Ben - poor Kate, robbed too, like Daisy, kicked out far far too early (Hope you have recovered from you accident, we were all so worried abolut you)

SimonR - I thought you looked great

GrahamW - once again, looked great to me

Roger Chin + Dutch Ginger - robbed again !

Sheena - lovely as always

Marc & Emma - you looked GREAT

Rachel (+ man who's name I don't know but goes to Hipsters) - such a lovely dancer, so graceful

But the GOLD STAR goes to Bill for getting the Hat Trick - surprised he could stand up, they were really heavy those medalions :wink:

What a man - three times in one night :wink: :really: :wink:

Hope I haven't left any competing forumite out ........


Thank you Franck for my very sexy dance - waited a long time for it BUT it was well worth it :drool:


PS: Although not forumites - got to mention winners Clayton & Janine and of course the amazing Adam & Taz:worthy:

[Andy McGregor]

Originally posted by Minnie M
(Hope you have recovered from you accident, we were all so worried abolut you)

Trampy and I have just got back from our visit with Kate to Worthing A&E. We were the only people in the waiting room but were still left waiting for over an hour!

Kate is fine, she doesn't need any stitches and they think her cut will heal on it's own. They did ask why it took her 8 hours to present herself - she told them the, entirely resonable, reason - she was at a dance contest and had to watch the finals and find out who won!

N.B. For those people that weren't there, Kate took a short cut to the dance floor by going under the staircase and stood up too soon and cut her scalp on the metal parts of the staircase. These injuries bleed a lot as the vessels are close to the surface in the scalp and this gave Kate quite a scare. When I dropped her home she seemed to have calmed down and was looking forward to getting back to her studies...


And what did I think of the Ceroc Championships? The dancing was the best I've seen at a competition but it was the worst organised Ceroc Championships I've ever been to - when reading my comments it must be remembered that the previous Ceroc Champs have been impeccably run - and this one wasn't! Firstly, from the semi-finals onwards they didn't post the people promoted to the next round on a notice board they announced it immediately before the heat. That meant that you had to be changed and ready for the heat but you couldn't be certain that you would be in it. It was like having your party frock on and then finding out you'd not been invited:tears:

And secondly, they allowed smoking absolutely everywhere in the building:sick: The excuse was that it is a nightclub - this is rubbish. It's always been a nightclub but there's never been a smoking problem there before. Mike Ellard did make an announcement about smoking quite late in the day and it seemed to make absolutely no difference at all. I even saw two of his own staff smoking on the side of the stage and flicking their ash into a plastic glass:sick:sick:sick:

Thirdly, there was a problem recording the judges votes in the Lucky Dip. I will not comment on this in detail as I was involved but the judges weren't happy and Mike Ellard was wrong, wrong, wrong but not prepared to admit it, apologise or fix it. Pammy may have a thing or two to say about it...

Theres other stuff that made this the least well run Ceroc Champs but I'll leave it to others to comment.

But as I said, the dancing was ABSOLUTELY FAB:waycool:

[Paul F]

Right , even though I have just done the 4 hour drive back to Manchester I want to post my comments now.

FIRSTLY, !!!!WELL DONE!!!! to everyone especially Bill for the triple wammy. Urban Metro were nothing short of amazing :worthy:

David + Lily - This is actually the first time I have seen the two of you dance. I have to say that was worth the 6:30am drive down by itself. Got to mention on a couple of the lifts and drops you did ( you know the ones !!!) . I can honestly say, and this is no exaggeration, I WAS BREATHLESS, absolutely breathless. You were a joy to watch.

Right, now for the event.

I wasnt too sure what to expect from all of the negative posts prior to the event so I went down with a rather curious outlook.

I can say here and now - WHAT A FANTASTIC DAY AND NIGHT.


I will have to comment on some of the previous points raised as this is my first champs.

I cant add to the points Andy raised as I didnt compete so didnt know anything about the boards but as for the smoking, I saw very few people smoking and the only ones i did were on the top balcony so it wasnt an issue for me.


FLOOR - Immaculate. If I could spin I would have loved it on that floor
:grin:

DRINKS - Most drinks were subsidised by the organisers. £1 bottle of mineral water - £2 pint of coke/lemonade etc - FREE TAP WATER ALL DAY - In london!!! :really:

SECURITY - My bag had a quick search done to spot objects + food and water. I have absolutely no problem with this (see Drinks above)

FOOD - Fine , hot and cold baguettes , soup ,chocolate etc. Thats all needed. Went out for dinner as i did in blackpool.

VIEWING - Dont know who mentioned the lack of viewing - what planet were they looking from. At no point could i not pick from a number of places to view.

HEAT - Yep, must agree it was too hot for my liking but so many venues are. The air-con was on but just not very much

JUDGES - Was mentioned that the judges lacked competition experience. I saw a great mix of judges with many major (and minor) comp exp. - oh yeah, including the World Latin-American Champion....wow
(was trying to think who judged in b'pool - only N=N spring to mind with seasoned comp exp- memory may not be too good right now though)


THE BIG ONE............(for me)

FREESTYLE - After going to Blackpool the biggest thing i was bloody annoyed about (and i didnt travel far) was no freestyle. (or considerably little). Today I have danced my cotton socks off :grin: (to be point of thinking i might collapse!!) . There were 20ish minute freestyles in between rounds culminating in the 1 and half (including presentation) hours of freestyle at the end. I realise this may not be important to some but it is to me.,

Final point......

DANCES - Again I didnt manage to grab dances with those that I had wanted to. I did manage to collar Mary for two :drool: and Sheena for just the one :tears: (right after she danced with Clayton too :tears: :tears: )



All in all I have had a fab day.

Im gonna finish this post by saying a big thankyou to all the organisers and Mike. He kept it rolling on the mic all day with some pretty damn funny remarks it has to be said (no im not saying that because he is my boss :grin: )

Thanks everyone and congratulations again
:cheers:

Going to bed now.

[Andy McGregor]

Having had a few hours sleep I find myself agreeing with Paul F on almost everything. My above comments still stand but should have said more about the good aspects of the day, sorry:blush:

Like Paul says, the floor, viewing, drinks, bag policy and judging decisions were the best ever and I'm certain that the organisers must have worked very hard to make these things happen, well done the Champs team:clap: :clap: :clap:

I think the viewing was better than previous years because the numbers seemed to be down - I could be wrong but that's how it seemed to me. This made it easier to find somewhere to stand/sit and watch - and it was all well worth watching:clap: ..apart from the bit for the BBC, but that didn't take long so I don't think it made a real difference to the day.

If these attendance levels could be maintained I really do think the event should stay at the Palais. As well as the above reasons, the location is good. There's plenty of parking in the area on a Sunday; it's easy to find from the M25; there's a choice of places to eat within walking distance and it's handy for Heathrow. I can see why a better venue was hard to find.

[Chicklet]

Will one of you lot that were there get a bl**dy move on and post up some bl**dy results for those poor souls who
1) weren't there and
2) are bl**dy "working" on another bl**dy bank holiday and want some good news to read !!!!

not that I'm in anyway bitter:blush:

[Peter]

What a fantastic day - sensational dancing, fantastic tunes, slick arrangements ...

So many stunning performances by forumites including DavidB & Lily, Martin & Lily & Janet, James & Mandy, Sheepman & Andy McG (the old gits), Mary, Sheena ....

Congratulations are due to so many for making it all such great fun ...

And massive congratulations to Adam and Mandy, the driving force behind the URBAN METRO team cabaret success. It can't be often that the judges make a unanimous decision. Many thanks to you both for your enormous efforts - the team has totally consumed them for 3 months - Mandy told me that she has not made a hot meal for her daughter since we started practising in January! Watch out Bristol - URBAN METRO will be droppping by in July

[TheTramp]

Had a great day, and would like to agree with all of Paul's points - except for the one about the smoking, which I experienced all over the venue :angry:.

Except that I do have one major gripe.

The time it took to post up the results was ludicrous. Had to wait 1 hour and 20 minutes for the results of the 1st round of the Open. And then 2 hours for the Open semi-final results!!

I was fairly sure that we weren't going to be in the Open final. I thought that the 5 couples in there were all amazing to watch (though, thanks to Emma for agreeing to compete with me at 1pm on the day of the competition, and she was fantastic in getting me to the semi-finals). However, on the off chance of having to dance again, there was no opportunity to relax or go out and dance, while waiting for the results. Which did really spoil the day for me. I know that plenty of other people in the Open felt the same way - having to keep popping up the stairs or waiting up there in the heat - for that length of time, really wasn't on.

I'm positive that it was just as bad for people in the other categories too...

Results that I recall (just for you Chickie):

Showcase:
1st - Adam & Tas
2nd - Emma (Pettitt) & Alex(?)
3rd - Will & Kate

Open:
1st - Clayton & Janine
2nd - David & Lily
3rd - Will & Kate

Double Trouble:
1st - Martin & Janet & Lily
2nd -
3rd - Bill & Fran & Denise

Bill also took 3rd place in the Old gits and either 3rd or 2nd place in the Lucky Dip :worthy:

Trampy

[Chicklet]

Thanks Steve!!

Which Emma were you dancing with?

Who did Bill dance with in the Old Gits - Fran's WAY too young!

[TheTramp]

Originally posted by Chicklet
Which Emma were you dancing with?

Who did Bill dance with in the Old Gits - Fran's WAY too young! Emma Pettitt - who won the showcase at Blackpool, if you recall :drool:

And Bill was dancing with Mary. Who I'm sure is a ringer, being far too young.

Trampy

[Minnie M]

Originally posted by Chicklet
Thanks Steve!!

Which Emma were you dancing with?

Who did Bill dance with in the Old Gits - Fran's WAY too young!

Our very own Emma was dancing with gorgeous Marc in the Lucky dip :clap:

Forgot to say my thanks go to all the Ceroc team, including all the judges - especially the hunky judge with the cute scottish accent :drool:

PS: Weren't the costumes great :worthy: Andy & Greg looked :drool: in their tux - Lily sparkled with beauty and grace - Mary looked sexy in her little red number - Fran & Denise in the sparkly red bras (say no more) - Sheena in her sparkly shorts of many colours - and Linda in her toquois number (very fetching)

Have to say Adam's missus Mandy looked amazing in her Urban outfit but she herself looked great she appeared to sparkle from within.

(Love the black & green outfits Mandy & James wore too)

[Minnie M]

Originally posted by Minnie M
Have to say Adam's missus Mandy looked amazing in her Urban outfit but she herself looked great she appeared to sparkle from within.........

Just read what I had written - this quote should belong to the 'Dance Related Compliments' thread:flower: :worthy:

[DavidY]

Originally posted by TheTramp
Results that I recall ...Thanks to The Tramp for those.
For those of us who weren't there, does anyone know the rest of the results - what happened in the other categories (Intermediate, Advanced, etc.)? Do we gather that Urban Metro won the Team Cabaret?

[ElaineB]

Morning all!

Can I just say 'THANK YOU', THANK YOU', 'THANK YOU'! to Bill - he got me into second place in Lucky Dip. He is an amazing dancer and I take my hat off to him for having so much energy. He was in the Advanced, Lucky Dip, Double Trouble and Old Gits and received medals in three out of the four catergories! It was an amazing experience on stage - Bill had four women up there collecting medals with him - congratulations Bill, you thoroughly deserved all your placings! :worthy: :worthy: :worthy:

Mary, thank you so much for your help in the dressing rooms - you were an absolute star - getting into a corset is not easy on your own! :kiss: (Comments from Tramp no doubt will follow!)

Chris A and Jayne, what can I say, you really deserved your medal in intermdiates - well done!!! :worthy: :worthy: :worthy:

As for you guys in Advanced and Open - awesome!!!! Lily, once again, I found it hard to take my eyes off you when doing those aerials! The showcases were spectacular - a really high standard. We look forward to see the Ceroc Metro Team in Bristol!

As of our guys from Bristol and Cardiff - well done, particularly to our 'Old gits', Nick and Leslie, who made the final. Sorry you didn't get a medal though! And thanks for cheering me on when I dancing with Bill in 'Lucky Dip'. I know Simon really appreciated it as well, as he made the third round.

The down side of the competition seemed to be the organisation and I agree with Tramp's and Andy's comments there. Simon and I were to compete in round 1b of the intermediates, but were then called into 1a. We didn't get any further and this may have been the reason! (We were told by complete strangers when we left the floor that we had danced really well and being Blackpool finalists, were a little suprised not to get past the first round!). There was a huge error in the posting of the intermediates for one of the rounds as well. Two friends of ours had got through to round three and when the posting went up for the next round, their numbers were not shown. They changed, packed up and were literally on their way home when someone managed to catch them to tell them that they had made the next round. They had twelve minutes to get back in, change and get back onto the dance floor. Hardly good for confidence!

I know that Andy had a problem with the Lucky Dip Judging as well.

OK, enough moaning, back to the competitors - brilliant! :D

And Bill - 'THANK YOU', 'THANK YOU', 'THANK YOU'!! :kiss:


Elaine

[Minnie M]

Jon Fisher + Yuko (apologies if spelt wrong) - won the Lucky dip

Urban lot - yup they DEFINITELY won it

Essex couple won the Old Gits (they were part of the Urban troupe)

Oh my god :blush: :blush: I forgot ElaineB and she look so fab too - sorry, please forgive :tears:

[Minnie M]

I think Bill should have a forum name now. or at least a title, he certainly has earned it - any suggestions eg: The Hat Trick Man :worthy:

[JohnSweeney]

What did people think of the volume of the music?

[Minnie M]

Gosh - I'm on this thread a lot - will keep shtoom after this post :blush:

Welcome John - only two postings in 16 months - we need your input you are a very well respected and valued member of our dance world:worthy:

Yes the volume was bad - very bad - you only had to look at the crowd with their hands over their ears many many times to work that out - WHY oh WHY didn't someone do something about it ??

[ChrisA]

Originally posted by ElaineB
Chris A and Jayne, what can I say, you really deserved your medal in intermdiates - well done!!! :worthy: :worthy: :worthy:

<snip>

Simon and I were to compete in round 1b of the intermediates, but were then called into 1a.
Thank you :hug:

And let me me add my commiseration for the travesty that didn't see you guys get to where you deserved.

We were originally called into 1a as well - fortunately I'd checked at the info desk when we arrived and we were in 1c... when Mike called us up we were confused and Jayne rushed up the stairs to check the info board, and confirmed our heat.

It wasn't a good situation, and I know how gutted you both must feel. :hug:

Don't write off doing next year just yet !!!!

Chris

[ElaineB]

Originally posted by JohnSweeney
What did people think of the volume of the music?

Pardon??? ;) (Sorry, someone had to do that!).

IMHO, it was too loud! My ears were ringing at one point!

Minnie, thanks for that comment - you looked fab last night as well. I know Simon always looks forward to dancing with you - from seeing previous comments though, he will have to join the back of a very long queue!

I have no doubt missed people as well, for which I apologise. There were so many beautiful/stunning outfits and good dancers there!

As for Bill - Bill a trois?? Or just - 'My hero'!

Elaine




:D :D :D :D

[ChrisA]

Originally posted by JohnSweeney
What did people think of the volume of the music? Far too loud, mostly. :angry:

I had earplugs in for the whole day except when we were actually dancing.

And I could still hear the music perfectly well.

Chris

[Paul F]

Originally posted by JohnSweeney
What did people think of the volume of the music?

Yeah, have to agree it was a bit too loud. The night before I was in a nightclub so I guess compared to this particular club it was positively quiet!!! :grin:
At one point I did need a break to get away from the music
I guess I feel different levels of music are called for. For example, for the Urban Metro I think the volume was warranted as it really gave the backing the routine deserved.

.....on that point I forgot to mention in my last post about the music on the day.

:drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool:

Got to say some of the finest sets of music I have ever heard in my MJ life. Truly superb. Thanks to everyone involved. Obviously a lot of thought and effor had gone into that.

[Chicklet]

Originally posted by Minnie M
I think Bill should have a forum name now. or at least a title, he certainly has earned it - any suggestions eg: The Hat Trick Man :worthy:

I think he was one of the first to have one!!!

BTC!!! Think it still stands!

(better than chocolate for anyone too new on here to remember!)

[Divissima]

So much to say on the champs, but first as many results as I can remember, including Trampy's results from earlier (from memory - please others help by filling in the blanks!)

Intermediate:
1st: Alex Faulkner and partner
2nd: not sure of names
3rd: our very own ChrisA and Jayne

Advanced:
1st: Debster and the gorgeous Dale (Groovy Dancer)
2nd: Don't know names - they dance at Twyford sometimes and always look fantastic
3rd: Steven Howard and Julie Bass

Old Git:
1st and 2nd - not sure of names
3rd: Bill and the lovely Mary

Open:
1st: Clayton and Janine
2nd: David and Lily
3rd: Will and Kate

Double Trouble:
1st: Mighty Martin Elliot, Lily and Janet
2nd: Paul Richard, Shara-Jane Brown & Kate Smith
3rd: Bill :drool: Fran and Denise

Lucky Dip:
1st: John Fisher and Yuko
2nd: Bill and Elaine
3rd: Elliott Hodges and partner

Cabaret:
1st place the Urban Metro crew
2nd place ceroc surrey

Showcase:
1st: Adam and Tas
2nd: Emma Pettit and Adam Faulkner
3rd: Will and Kate

Better post before this gets even longer...

[Divissima]

I have to say I really enjoyed the day - I have hardly any voice left and sound like Ertha Kitt :really:

Like many others, I thought the music was too loud and after nearly eight hours in the venue, my ears were ringing and my head was splitting. TwK and I had to go for a stroll outside for an hour and take some nurofen just to get through the day. Mind you, all that shouting we were doing may have had something to do with it too!

I also thought the lighting was pretty bad. It improved dramatically mid-afternoon, but the first few showcases seemed to be performed in near darkness. I felt terrible for some of the competitors whose hard work got lost in the gloom. I just hope the judges saw more than I did! That said, I think the problem was spotted and the lighting was much better for the rest of the performances.

And how amazing to have world latin champion Carmen judging the finals.

The dancing was breathtaking. I think it might just be the first time I have agreed with the top three in each category (although not necessarily the order of placings). I did think there were some odd decisions earlier on in the rounds, though, and a few couples who in my opinion were looking fantastic didn't get through. Ray and Jane were the best I'd ever seen them and I was so disappointed for them. Also Paul Richard and partner (not sure which of his double-trouble ladies is his freestyle partner) always look so wonderful. I can't understand how they have not placed yet in intermediate. Surely just a matter of time.

So many good friends and wonderful forumites - far too many to mention them all without being a total luvvie! So a few honourable mentions, well done to Chris and Jayne, and to Groovy Dancer :waycool: And thank you Franck for my luscious dance :yum:

[Monika]

...sigh... back in the "Real world" from another great week-end in "Planet Dance".... Really enjoyed yesterday: Great to watch all the fantastic dancers and such a joy to get to join Team Scotland on Tour yet again! We eventually managed to find a dance venue on the Saturday night (Windsor? Thank's Dale!!!) Think there were more Scottish & Forum Friends there than local folks and made very welcome by all so a great night.
Very impressive dancing in the competition!
Bill: What can I say: Respect!!! Congratulations to you and your lovely partners: Great to watch!
:worthy:
Scotland's amazing DT Girls Team: Well done!!! I'm so proud of you! :flower: :hug:
Linda & Dave: Brilliant to watch and well deserved to get to the final! Congratulations! :clap:
Emma & Marc: Brilliant! :clap:
Sheena & ChrisH: Beautiful! You were just glowing and looked sooo happy and fun to watch! Well done :hug:
Jayne & ChrisA: Beautiful! Sooooo smoth... Congratulations :flower:
Dale & Debster: Excellent! You showed no respect to any of the other couples on the floor and just went for it: Stunning!!
David & Lily: *Speachless....*
Adam & Tas: You are my heroes: Superb!!! What a performance!! You also seemed to be the only couple that managed to get the whole crowd of spectactors to go absolutely wild with applause and cheering: Well done - yet again!!!
:worthy: :worthy:
Huge congratulations to all the other winners too: You make it a really special day!
And Forum friends (Dale, Chris & Chris, IanL, Ian A, Sheepman, Martin ++++): Next time I sincerely hope my back has recovered so I can have the pleasure of a wee dance with you all!
Take care & Happy Dancing
Mon x

[ChrisA]

Originally posted by TheTramp
Had a great day, and would like to agree with all of Paul's points - except for the one about the smoking, which I experienced all over the venue ......... :yeah:

And ditto about the late posting of the results... though it only detracted marginally from our enjoyment of the day.

It was my first champs, and (er, not surprisingly :blush: ) had a fantastic day, despite feeling a bit wobbly having been quite unwell for much of last week...

I enjoyed Mike's compering (how did he guess that our outfits came from Matalan :rolleyes: ) - and also Val Forsey's, which I thought she did really well apart from a couple of slips. For those that don't know her, she teaches at Twickenham Ceroc, is a real sweetheart, and a pretty luscious dancer herself. With David Rokov, she won Beach Boogie's blues comp last year.

Jayne tells me it was far less crowded than last year... all I can say is, thank heavens. Much more crowded and it would have been very difficult to move or see what was going on.

I was particularly impressed with the eating arrangements - I had a perfectly done jacket potato and cheese for £2.50, and a baguette with sausage and onion for about the same or maybe less. Considering the number of people wanting food, I was impressed by short queueing time, though maybe I was lucky. Thanks to the people cooking - phew it must have been hot behind that counter.

Massive congrats to Dale and Debs, a big :worthy: to Martin and luscious partners for that amazing two-girl aerial, and...

:worthy: :worthy: :worthy: to David and Lily for an awesome display of what three permitted airsteps in a freestyle track can look like :D For my money there is no one in the MJ world (including the Australians, I have to say, despite how good so many of them are) to touch them for big aerials that look beautiful, smooth and musical.

Finally, thanks so much to those of you that were rooting for Jayne and me and all those that have sent their good wishes. You know who you are, and it means a lot. :hug: :flower:

Chris

[Sheepman]

Originally posted by Andy McGregor
If these attendance levels could be maintained I really do think the event should stay at the Palais. No, no, no, please no!
It wasn't just me that commented on how filthy and disgusting the place is, even worse than last year! Missy D & I looked for a quiet spot to go through some stuff, we found one, carpet that squelched with beer - that really helped the dance shoes! (The men's "changing" rooms were almost as bad. I use the quotes as one of them was just a through route to an office, used by female staff. No I'm not shy, I did my changing at my table, surrounded by strangers of both sexes similarly stripping off, there wasn't time for anything else.) The toilets may have been just passably clean (for this type of venue), but there were no hand dryers (or they weren't working), most of the taps didn't work, and if the toilets were regularly checked, why were the floors so wet and toilet paper non existent?

Everywhere the floors were sticky, somebody said to me that the cleaners hadn't turned up after the previous night's party, was this true?

The lighting in the place is hopeless, why do the lights have to be so low? It is not a "night club" event, I know there is adequate lighting, because it came on at the end of the night, OK lacking atmosphere, but we want to see, and see the dancers. You only need the "night club" lighting for the freestyle sessions. Another coat ended going up in smoke, after lighting overheated, (lights which were not initially on when the coat was put there, and a friend has lost an expensive leather coat in the process.)

Was the lack of lighting at least partly to blame for Kate's nasty accident?

The congestion in the place is dreadfull, I don't know how many people I stepped on trying to get to the dance floor during heats (my apologies for crushed fingers etc.) I think Andy suggested the yellow box markings or something similar, as a route for competitors to access the floor.

Even worse, was the congestion when trying to find out the results, why do they have to be posted in the place where you have the narrowest access, and where the view of the results is so limited (and where it is hot and smoky). My lucky dip partner came back from checking the first round results, shaking her head, saying we weren't through. I didn't believe this, because she is such an amazing dancer, I spent 10 minutes or so in the crush, to confirm that she had missed the posting of our number, because it was so hard to get to and see.


Originally posted by Paul F
FLOOR - Immaculate. If I could spin I would have loved it on that floor
FOOD - Fine , hot and cold baguettes , soup ,chocolate etc. Thats all needed. Went out for dinner as i did in blackpool.
Immaculate? :confused: If this was immaculate, I'd hate to see a bad floor! Neither my partner nor I could use our "costume" shoes, as it was far too sticky, though I have used mine on many other floors.
I would have tried the food, but Wendy said the queue looked long and slow, so we went to MacDonalds :sick: the food there was quick, that's the best I can say about it, but the company was great, and so was the music, played at just the right volume!


Originally posted by Andy McGregor
I think the viewing was better than previous years because the numbers seemed to be down
Originally posted by Paul F
VIEWING - Dont know who mentioned the lack of viewing - what planet were they looking from. At no point could i not pick from a number of places to view.
I would agree that the viewing was much better than last year (or I was located in a better spot), the numbers were down, and so were the palm trees. I still struggled though, especially after joining the meleé once heats had already started, we don't all have Paul's height advantage, from the top bar, the pillars and hanging lights still caused lots of restrictions.

As Andy said the organisation didn't hold out too well. I know this is a complicated event, and all credit goes out to all the effort put in, but we've seen at other events how smoothly things can go, and there are too many stories of people having problems. The most ridicuolous part IMO, was the lack of posting of who would be in the semis, I had to panic over four changes during this between dances, (or not dancing, depending on whether or not I got through.)

Personally the worst part was for the first heat of the Advanced, Missy D had checked that her name was down for the second heat, so when our number was called for the first heat, I went onto the dancefloor, not knowing she was still getting changed. I asked one of the judges if an announcement could be made to find her, but the warm up music was started, so after some frantic gesticulations, Wendy found her in the changing rooms and dragged her out, unprepared. I think the extra adrenalin may have helped us through that round!

All that said, I had a great day, seeing the performances of David and Lily, Tas and Adam, and others, was enough in itself. But I think how much better it could have been, with organisation like that at Blackpool, or Britroc. I won't be going back to this venue (probably.)

I won't repeat a list of names of people to congratulate, there are so many, winners or not, forumites or not, so much brilliant dancing! :worthy:


Originally posted by Minnie M
Andy & Mr. Sheepman - what can you say old gits at their best - great dancing Thanks for that Minnie, but you really have got that wrong, great dancing it wasn't! Entertainment? I hope so!
I loved the quote from a couple standing unknowingly next to Mrs Sheepman, "Oh yes, they're gay!" Were we really that convincing?! :rofl: I might add Andy to my list of pervy dancers :rofl:

Greg

[Divissima]

Having just re-read my earlier post, it came across as more negative than I intended. To balance the criticism, I should add that I think Bradders and his team worked very hard and delivered some significant improvements in areas which have been a problem in previous years. The floor was much better - and a pleasure to dance on. The searching was much less intrusive and there was ample free water. The food was a lot better than I remember from previous years and it was a lot less crowded. There was more lighting in the booth areas and in the ladies' changing rooms meaning it was much easier to get around and change costumes. Notwithstanding the difficulties with volume and lighting, I think they did a great job. They put together an impressive event, despite the inherent problems with the venue, and deserve a big thank you and congratulations on a job well done.

[Barry Shnikov]

Originally posted by JohnSweeney
What did people think of the volume of the music?

Speaking to Mike Ellard and Bradders afterwards and they both agreed that the music had been too loud. The suggestion is that this point was made to Erick - and though Erick's a champ himself at the decks, we all know that there are two things that a DJ cannot hear:

1. "The music's too loud"; and
2. "We want you to play something that our guests would like to hear!"

[Dan Hudson]

Well what can I say..... My favourite Champs yet!!

Firstly and most importantly a massive THANK YOU to my gorgeous partner Denise.... you looked amazing and danced superbly what more can a guy ask for...:drool:
It was truly an honour to dance with you and I had my two best dances ever during the competition:worthy: :worthy:

Well done to everyone from Ceroc Greenwich who competed and got through the third round in the events they were in...

Phil and Tazmainan Devil.. those outfits:yum:

Well done too Bill, Fran and Denise for their 3rd place and to Bill fr taking two other 3rd's... you truly are btc!:clap:

Also well done to all the DJ's..the music was insiring for the entire day...

Wel done to the Ceroc Champs team.. still room for improvement but an excellent effort.....


Also congrats to all the winners etc etc.....

Great to see all of you Scots down ere again.. it wouldn't be the same without you.... Even Sam.. all the way from Switzerland.. now thats dedication!! :rofl:

Greta dances with lots of people too many to mention....

Thank you all:worthy: :clap:

[Barry Shnikov]

Originally posted by Andy McGregor
Like Paul says, the floor, viewing, drinks, bag policy and judging decisions were the best ever and I'm certain that the organisers must have worked very hard to make these things happen, well done the Champs team:clap: :clap: :clap:


Shucks...thanks mate.;)


the numbers seemed to be down

They were...remains to be seen whether the event was profitable...


apart from the bit for the BBC

This was very annoying. TV has traditionally treated Ceroc as a dumping ground for lonely hearts items...now it appears we're just good for a joke at our expense on the basis we're sad and incompetent egomaniacs. Let's hope appearances (viz. what we saw yesterday) were deceptive...

NB - so much for the 'event winners could get to be on TV!' schtick paraded in advance!


the floor

I hate to say this but before the venue opened I spotted a great clump of congealed tomato sauce on the dance floor. Not only does that throw doubts on the suggestion that the floor had been properly polished, it suggests it wasn't even properly cleaned. Having said that, it was clear when we first got there that the floor had received a great deal of attention, so it was probably a spot missed rather than wholesale failure.

[Paul F]

Originally posted by Sheepman

Immaculate? :confused: If this was immaculate, I'd hate to see a bad floor! Neither my partner nor I could use our "costume" shoes, as it was far too sticky, though I have used mine on many other floors.

Greg

I guess floor condition is due to personal tastes but with the footwear i had on (bloch low-profile) I found it fantastic. I could do my spins fine. I didnt have a problem with it.

The lighting , when i first walked in, struck me as dark and i thought hmmmm :sad: bit weird.
After about an hour though (and having got my bearings) i didnt find it a problem either.
Unfortunately i cant comment about any competition bits thouggh but i used the toilets and found them fine (except for the hand dryer) They were as clean as i could expect with plentiful amounts of toilet rolls (about 30 lined up on the shelf).

Im intrigued though to know where the palm treest have been in recent years. Can anyone tell me where thay were - just out of sheer curiosity?

[Barry Shnikov]

Originally posted by Paul F
Im intrigues though to know where the palm treest have been in recent years. Can anyone tell me where thay were - just out of sheer curiosity?

If you imagine standing facing the stage, at either end of the dance floor there's steps up to the bar area both on the left (near the entrance) and on the right (behind which was the food area. On either side of those steps they had big artificial palm trees, complete with suspended dancing cages - you know, for 'go-go' dancers.

[Barry Shnikov]

Originally posted by Minnie M
especially the hunky judge with the cute scottish accent :drool:

Somebody please tell me she isn't talking about Bill...

[Barry Shnikov]

Originally posted by Divissima
I have to say I really enjoyed the day - I have hardly any voice left and sound like Ertha Kitt :really:
Better nip down to the recording studio...

TwK and I had to go for a stroll outside for an hour
Uh-huh...

I also thought the lighting was pretty bad. It improved dramatically mid-afternoon, but the first few showcases seemed to be performed in near darkness.
There were a lot of weird lighting moments, including one where I found myself dancing in the dark [thinks: good title for a song, that...] fortunately, still had the same partner when the lights came back up!

And how amazing to have world latin champion Carmen judging the finals.
Yeah. She woulddn't dance with me, though...just as well, that head dress thing would have been a nightmare

Also Paul Richard and partner (not sure which of his double-trouble ladies is his freestyle partner) always look so wonderful. I can't understand how they have not placed yet in intermediate.
He is good. Am thinking of asking him to dance at a freestyle-near-me soon...I'll have to lead, 'cos I can't follow yet:what:

[Jive Brummie]

I thought she was talking about the 'Hunk of burning love' that is Franck Pauly :wink:

filthycute x x

[Sheepman]

Oh yes regarding the volume it was too loud . My ears are still ringing, even though I wore earplugs or was well away from the dancefloor for most of the day.
If the DJ is to be able to judge the volume, he has to be within the field of sound, the back of the stage was probably the worst place for the decks (apart from maybe in the toilets!) There is plenty of discussion in the USA about locating the DJ for competitions and social dances, behind the speakers is not the right place. Unless he chose the spot, Erick couldn't be blamed for the volume, because he wouldn't be able to hear from there. He needed to be constantly reminded to stand a chance.

Greg

[Heather]

:rofl: :rofl: I thought she meant Franck too Melanie!!
P.S Do you know you are logged on as James!!!!:rofl: :rofl:

:hug:
Heather,
XX

[Jive Brummie]

Originally posted by Heather
:rofl: :rofl: I thought she meant Franck too Melanie!!
P.S Do you know you are logged on as James!!!!:rofl: :rofl:

:hug:
Heather,
XX

...........she does now:blush:

[Paul F]

Originally posted by Barry Shnikov
If you imagine standing facing the stage, at either end of the dance floor there's steps up to the bar area both on the left (near the entrance) and on the right (behind which was the food area. On either side of those steps they had big artificial palm trees, complete with suspended dancing cages - you know, for 'go-go' dancers.

:really: :really:
I can see why people were glad these disappeared then - phew!!

[Graham W]

Enjoyed the 'show' as it turned out such was the spectacle; David & lilys neckflip move in partic left me gobsmacked, literally!


G ;-)

[cerocmetro]

Hey guys just a little pic of the team I would like to get on the forum.

Well done CerocMetro Team "Urban Metro"

Adam

[cerocmetro]

Originally posted by cerocmetro
Hey guys just a little pic of the team I would like to get on the forum. Well done CerocMetro Team "Urban Metro"
Adam
Doh!

[Lounge Lizard]

Well done to the ceroc team, as a spectator I had no problem veiwing and enjoyed a fantastic display of dancing.

Eric, best music I have ever heard in a comp (and best music I have heard at a ceroc event)
Dan great set's well done.

loud music - problem when DJ is behind the speakers - last year I seem to remember the DJ's in the bar area directly in front of the stage.
Lighting - no excuse, I assume guy doing the lighting was a nightclub technician and not used to our dancers, got better after Eric made an announcement tho.

Andy & Greg two of the best old gits there, you guys danced really well and were so entertaining.

Worst thing about competitions is the painted 'cheesy' smiles used by many competitors (I know it works cos the cheesy grins often win or get placed).
whereas the genuine smiles (like Andy's and others) came from the sheer enjoyment of the day, which to me is what dance is all about.

Congrats to everybody, but especially ChrisA :clap: :clap:
peter

oh and when I checked in the first quetion I was asked..........Which Peter Phillips are you??
"The real one was my reply":rofl:
turns out there IS another MJ dancer called Peter Phillips in Dorset

[Daisy]

Originally posted by Minnie M

Daisy & Ray - YOU WOZ ROBBED !!! Can't understand what happed there :angry

Kate & Ben - poor Kate, robbed too, like Daisy, kicked out far far too early

Thanks so much for the mention Minnie....it's always lovely to get a vote of confidence after a disappointment.

It seems that some of us may have been victims of the Ceroc marking system, depending on which heat you ended up in.

As I believe it, and I will stand corrected if I'm wrong, the judges, who were great IMO, were asked to choose their top 2 couples in each heat ( for each element).
If you were drawn in a heat like ours you would have had to wait until hell froze over before you could get beyond our fellow competitiors. We were drawn in heat 1d against Janine & Clay, James Greary & Mandy Nathanson, Adam & Taz, and Ben & Kate!!!!

It was like dancing a final in round 1 for goodness sake! I can't agree with this system of marking as it does not give good representation across the whole round, when some heats were clearly much harder than others.

I think Ceroc should post their judging method for us all to see, like other comp organisers, so that we can TRY to understand how this could be fair.

As I say, I will stand corrected if I am wrong but from what I was told this is how it was. It must have been horrible for the judges being made to choose between several couples who they thought were all dancing well but could only give good marks to two.

I think that the final of the open was amazing and I completely agree with all the couples who made it, they were fantastic and the results were spot on. Congratulations to all the finalist.

Daisy


:flower:
_______________________________________________
stands back and awaits barrage to begin!:sick:

[Lory]

Originally posted by Lounge Lizard
oh and when I checked in the first quetion I was asked..........Which Peter Phillips are you??
"The real one was my reply":rofl:


That's funny!:rofl:

Congratulations to you all! :worthy: I just wish I could have been there! :flower:

[RobC]

Originally posted by Sheepman
No, no, no, please no!
It wasn't just me that commented on how filthy and disgusting the place is, even worse than last year! Missy D & I looked for a quiet spot to go through some stuff, we found one, carpet that squelched with beer - that really helped the dance shoes! (The men's "changing" rooms were almost as bad. I use the quotes as one of them was just a through route to an office, used by female staff. No I'm not shy, I did my changing at my table, surrounded by strangers of both sexes similarly stripping off, there wasn't time for anything else.) The toilets may have been just passably clean (for this type of venue), but there were no hand dryers (or they weren't working), most of the taps didn't work, and if the toilets were regularly checked, why were the floors so wet and toilet paper non existent?

Everywhere the floors were sticky, somebody said to me that the cleaners hadn't turned up after the previous night's party, was this true?
So the 'alleged' change of management (which seems to happen every year according to the competition organisers) made sod all difference then ?


The congestion in the place is dreadfull, I don't know how many people I stepped on trying to get to the dance floor during heats (my apologies for crushed fingers etc.) I think Andy suggested the yellow box markings or something similar, as a route for competitors to access the floor.

I would agree that the viewing was much better than last year (or I was located in a better spot), the numbers were down, and so were the palm trees. I still struggled though, especially after joining the meleé once heats had already started, we don't all have Paul's height advantage, from the top bar, the pillars and hanging lights still caused lots of restrictions.

The lack of number this year still didn't help ? What a surprise.... once a crap venue, alway a crap venue.......

We can but hope that the organisers pay heed to the warning shot aimed across their bows and switch venues for next year. Then maybe I and the others that clearly stayed away this year might come back.


Originally posted by Barry Shnikov
quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
apart from the bit for the BBC
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This was very annoying. TV has traditionally treated Ceroc as a dumping ground for lonely hearts items...now it appears we're just good for a joke at our expense on the basis we're sad and incompetent egomaniacs. Let's hope appearances (viz. what we saw yesterday) were deceptive...

NB - so much for the 'event winners could get to be on TV!' schtick paraded in advance!
Anyone care to elaborate on what the 'BBC Bit' involved for the benefit of those not there ?

[Shaz]

Originally posted by Jive Brummie
I thought she was talking about the 'Hunk of burning love' that is Franck Pauly :wink:

filthycute x x


:yeah: absolutely :drool: (was disappointed he wasn't wearing his kilt though:wink: )

[Daisy]

Originally posted by RobC

Anyone care to elaborate on what the 'BBC Bit' involved for the benefit of those not there ?

Very little that I could see. A couple of actors pratted about in one of the intermediate heats, getting in the way of the competitors and making a farse of it. They filmed a mock disqualification of the said couple and that was that.

Can anyone say if the BBC stayed beyond that point and filmed any of the finals?

What was the point? :sick:

[Paul F]

Originally posted by Graham W
Enjoyed the 'show' as it turned out such was the spectacle; David & lilys neckflip move in partic left me gobsmacked, literally!

G ;-)

Was going to start a thread concerning the 2 or 3 aerials performed by David + Lily. I keep thinking about them. Whether people like aerials or not everyone must agree that these were simply amazing.
:drool:

[Minnie M]

Originally posted by Jive Brummie
I thought she was talking about the 'Hunk of burning love' that is Franck Pauly :wink:

filthycute x x

Oh yes :blush: it was the "Hunk of burning love" I was referring to :drool: :blush:

[Dreadful Scathe]

Originally posted by Lounge Lizard
oh and when I checked in the first quetion I was asked..........Which Peter Phillips are you??
"The real one was my reply":rofl:

Theres a Peter Phillips in every one of us trying to get out :).

[ElaineB]

There is an interesting division of opinion on here about the cleanliness of the Pallais, the lighting and the quality of the dance floor and access to it.

I was wearing suede bottomed soles on my shoes and they kept sticking to the floor. I thought the dance floor itself was not the best that I have danced on and just relied on the stickyness of my soles getting hard so that I could do some really good spins, but they stayed sticky. You should have seen the state of them when I took them off!

As for access to the dance floor, I was desperately trying to get to Bill for the final of 'Take a Chance' and had to fight my way down the stairs to the right hand side of the stairs. Bill was standing there waving his arms as the organisers were calling for me!

The loos on the first floor by the Ladies changing area were appalling - sorry, but that is the truth. There was no method of drying hands and there was water over the floor, having come out of a number of the toilets. One cubicle just could not be used. There were enough loo rolls and the cleaner popped in to clean them up, but it required more than that - plumbing! The feed back from the guys was that their loos were in the same state.

Finally the lighting! We were upstairs by the ladies changing room and it was very poor there. I had to walk very carefully down the stairs from that point as it was difficult to see if there was a step there or not! As previously mentioned, the early showcases struggled and I know for a fact that Mark and Jackie (who were wearing dark glasses for the beginning of their Showcase! could hardly see each other!

I have no doubt that if the situation regarding lighting continues that there will be a serious accident at the Pallais one day and someone will end up being sued! (I work in Insurance and am a claims manager, so I should know!!)

This is not a good venue I'm afraid. I have only been dancing for two years and in that short time this is probably the worst that I have been to. I understand that Ce Roc will wish to continue to hold an event in London, but I too hope that they will switch venues.


Elaine

[Daisy]

Originally posted by ElaineB
There is an interesting division of opinion on here about the cleanliness of the Pallais, the lighting and the quality of the dance floor and access to it.

I was wearing suede bottomed soles on my shoes and they kept sticking to the floor. I thought the dance floor itself was not the best that I have danced on and just relied on the stickiness of my soles getting hard so that I could do some really good spins, but they stayed sticky. You should have seen the state of them when I took them off!

As for access to the dance floor, I was desperately trying to get to Bill for the final of 'Take a Chance' and had to fight my way down the stairs to the right hand side of the stairs. Bill was standing there waving his arms as the organisers were calling for me!

The loos on the first floor by the Ladies changing area were appalling - sorry, but that is the truth. There was no method of drying hands and there was water over the floor, having come out of a number of the toilets. One cubicle just could not be used. There were enough loo rolls and the cleaner popped in to clean them up, but it required more than that - plumbing! The feed back from the guys was that their loos were in the same state.

Finally the lighting! We were upstairs by the ladies changing room and it was very poor there. I had to walk very carefully down the stairs from that point as it was difficult to see if there was a step there or not! As previously mentioned, the early showcases struggled and I know for a fact that Mark and Jackie (who were wearing dark glasses for the beginning of their Showcase! could hardly see each other!

I have no doubt that if the situation regarding lighting continues that there will be a serious accident at the Pallais one day and someone will end up being sued! (I work in Insurance and am a claims manager, so I should know!!)

This is not a good venue I'm afraid. I have only been dancing for two years and in that short time this is probably the worst that I have been to. I understand that Ce Roc will wish to continue to hold an event in London, but I too hope that they will switch venues.


Elaine

My husband fell on the unlit stairs at the back of the launch pad last year and cracked his ribs. What a pity we didn't officially complain at the time.....now Kate has hit her head on the stairs and split it open near the same poorly lit area. Some things never change.

Are the management trying to save on the lighting bill and could this be a reason why the spot lights were ridiculouly low! How were we supposed to dance and spectate in the semi gloom?

For goodness sake....how may years of running these events do people need before they understand what is required? This was a dance competition and we wanted to see the dancers.

Oh and I thought that the floor was improved by about 10%, if that. There are probably better dance floors in most scout huts around the country than that one. It is appreciated that several people worked hard to improve it but you can't make a silk purse out of a sows ear.

Toilets without hand dryers? WHY? Do they get stolen or something? I can't think of many things more disgusting than having to us half soggy loo roll (cos it was left around the sinks) to wipe your hands on!

Results! Trampy is dead right to have a moan about this. WHY does it take so long to publish them? Britroc results were out within 20 mins of the rounds finishing! Data imputting doesn't take that long surely. It isn't good to keep dancers hanging around when they need time to prepare and warm up between rounds. Blackpool were also much quicker and that is a large comp.

Ericks choice of music was good, on the whole, although a bit loud at times. I only really noticed it when the Metro team were on.......maybe it helped that I watched most of it from the stage area and was therefore behind the speakers.



:flower:

[ericklondon]

Dear Everyone,

Now that I have almost recovered and have managed to read all the new postings I will reply to some of the issues raised as regards to the music level and the lighting at the Champs yesterday.

Firstly, I would like to thank everyone on this forum who have taken the time to write their views today.

As regards, to the music level, I was aware that the music was sometimes a little too loud but the only way for me to judge the level, was to turn my monitor down and "feel" the bass.
The monitor is another speaker which lets me hear the music that is being played but I have control over it, unfortunatly, situated behind the speaker I cannot hear the music nor judge the level.

In previous years, the DJ booth was situated in the bar underneath the lighting/sound desk. No problem with the sound level but I was having to send someone to run back and forth between the dj booth and the stage everytime there was a problem.
Will take all the problems on board and look into it for next year.

I did play one of the tracks a bit loud in one of the heats...

So... I'm sorry, I did think it was loud at some times but the problem was rectified pretty quickly, also note that I WAS in the same building and I DID walk around the venue on many occasions.... and it was perfectly bearable
Mike did mention to me on a few of occasions that the music was too loud and I did speak to all the other DJs and the problem was sorted.

As regards to the lighting in the FIRST HEATS.....

I am always amazed on this forum how people just assume and always seem to know everything.
For instance," the light engineer is not used to our type of event..."
How do you know that ????
He's been working there for 3 years, he loves having Ceroc there and he said to me when he got there, " I've been looking forward to today for the last 4 weeks ".
His wife goes to Ceroc in Fulham.....
Shaun has a little boy called Sky, and his wife was having quite serious problems with him and he had to rush off home for an hour and left his assistant in charge of all the lighting.

BUT..... the problem was rectified as soon as Shaun came back and I hope most of you noticed my constant reminders over the mic.

Once again..... I'm sorry.

Now for all the nice stuff....
Forget about the lights and the sound level....

Thank you very much to all of you, this is has been my 5th champs and I guess the one with the best atmosphere.
The dancing was brilliant, Emma and her partner were just so good, Tas and Adam SO GOOD..... Urban Metro was fabulous ( Adam your still a pain in the arse :wink: ), Will and Kate, Karen Skilling.... EVERYONE WAS JUST FABULOUS !!!!

Thank you to all the guys I invited to DJ, you did a brilliant job.
And thank you to everyone who came up to introduce themselves, Peter Philips, Peter, Sheena, Mark.... THANK YOU TO EVERYONE !!

And before I go..... IT WAS GREAT TO SEE THE SCOTTISH CREW ESPECIALLY BILL AND FRANCK, YOU ARE JUST THE BEST CEROC PARTY PEOPLE !!!

Erick


Ps: This is for the ones who know me. ( I have to put this in and please don't be offended. Those who know me, know that I have a warped sense of humour, but, I cannot resist it !! )
One of the things I am known for, is my controversial outburst, but it's all fun !!
I was very suprise that there was so few entries in the Old Git Catergory ( Bill, why were you in there anyway, oh and I am so proud of you :worthy: ) so for next year... thought we would change it to the Moaning Old Git Category....

[Tiggerbabe]

What a fabulous day!

Huge thankyou to Christopher H, for the dancing and for driving us all over London - especially to Windsor on Saturday night (and a big thankyou to the boys in blue for yet another police escort to a dance venue :blush: )

Thanks to Pete, my lucky dip partner - made it to the 2nd round and had great fun.

Congrats to all of the winners and to those who made it further in the competitions than they had ever done before.

Linda and Dave in the intermediate final - so unlucky not to be placed - you were fabulous.

Loved Adam and Tas' showcase :worthy: :worthy: but also Emma and Alex, and Aleks and Phil - all incredible!!!!!

Bill and Elaine in the lucky dip, great performance. Soooooooo hard to judge - all of the finalists were fantastic.

Bill and Mary in the old gits - way sexy - great musical interpretation and loved the fast record - Boogie Woogie Choo Choo train anyone ? hee hee
Although how the judges didn't put John and Hazel Lusby into the final is beyond me.........

Bill, Fran and Denise in the double trouble - great performance again but Martin's double lift with Janet and Lily definitely stole the show - great outfits too :D
Thought the Aberdeen girls were brilliant too - and very unlucky not to get through to the next round.

David and Lily - wow! (think that about covers it :clap: )

Adam, Mandy and the Ceroc Metro Cabaret team - RESPECT!

Dale and Debster - fantastic! Glad you used that move that Franck taught you Dale :wink:

I had so many fab dances over the day, thanks to all the guys - thought the music was brilliant! Both during the competition itself and the freestyles - lovely to meet you Erick - looking forward to you coming up to the Beach Ballroom sometime soon.

Huge hugs to Paul F - I did come looking for you earlier on but couldn't find you - fantastic, dancing with you as usual :drool:
Also didn't manage to find the guy who was in the advanced final - black outfit, red braces...........alas so many men, so little time *w*

Thanks to Ray, Marc, Dave H, Sam our very own Mr Pauly and to Clayton *can't find the huge, absolutely HUGE grin smiley*

Will mention the after comp party dances later but suffice to say that Lisa and Assif's variation on the Donut Move (as earlier demonstrated by David and Lily) was truly amazing:whistle:

[ericklondon]

Forgot to say....
In all the years I have been working for CEROC, I have never seen Dave and Lily doing those air moves... !!
That was just soooooooo amazing !!

The funny thing is that I couldn't really see from the DJ desk but every so often Lily kept popping up above everyone's head !!

Amazing and well done !!

Erick

[ChrisA]

Question:

Why only one track for the Intermediate final?

The Old Gits got two; and IIRC the Advanced and Open finals also got two.

Why, for the sake of an extra few minutes, couldn't the intermediates be treated in the same way? And Lucky Dip, for that matter, which also only got one.

It just smacks of "oh, it's not important" - except of course that for those that are taking it seriously, it's just as important. The fact that the Intermediates are not as advanced as the Advanced should be irrelevant, IMHO.

Chris

[Yogi_Bear]

I wasn't thereat Hammersmith, but If David and Lily danced the routine they showed us at Camber last month, that was the most stunning display of aerials I have seen (even from them), but even without the aerials it was an amazing rfoutine in terms of sheer style and panache.:eek:

[ElaineB]

Originally posted by Yogi_Bear
I wasn't thereat Hammersmith, but If David and Lily danced the routine they showed us at Camber last month, that was the most stunning display of aerials I have seen (even from them), but even without the aerials it was an amazing rfoutine in terms of sheer style and panache.:eek:

Nope, it wasn't the routine that they did at Camber - it was even more awesome! Lily and David did a new move that just defys belief!! She (I think!) put her body into a crab position and then slid down David - I thought I was lost for words at Camber, but after that...........! They are just fabulous!!

The dancers in the Open were absolutely amazing, as were the top three at every level!! :worthy: :worthy: :worthy:

Chris - have just seen your comment about the number of tracks in each of the finals! I did wonder why there was only one track in each of the rounds - perhaps the format used in Blackpool was better - fewer rounds, but two tracks to interpret. Discuss please! :cool:

Sheena! I have just remembered that I met you in the cloakroom - so nice to meet you at last. :clap:

Elaine

[ericklondon]

There's always been one track in the Lucky dip and I don't see any reasons why this should be changed.
The music used in the Lucky Dip is always ( and this what I have been doing in the last 5 years) a reflection of pop music tracks that are popular at Ceroc in the last year or so. I therefore used a different mix of Toxic - did anyone notice ? - which has more breaks and pauses keeping within the same tempo... Great track !


The Intermediate got one track because this is what I had decided and since it was again a different mix of Rubberknecking, with a slow start and then kicking into the main track it would be perfect.

To be honest, it makes extremely little difference whether I'd used 1 2 3 tracks since they are all within the allocated timing. I understand that it's all about musical interpretation but if you are crap dancing a slow track what makes you think you'd be better dancing to a faster one or vice versa for that matter.


BUT.....


It just smacks of "oh, it's not important" - except of course that for those that are taking it seriously, it's just as important. The fact that the Intermediates are not as advanced as the Advanced should be irrelevant, IMHO

:yeah: is the biggest load of rubbish I have read all day and again assuming.

Erick

:waycool:

Ps: You forgot to mention the double throuble only 1 track....

[ElaineB]

Originally posted by ericklondon
There's always been one track in the Lucky dip and I don't see any reasons why this should be changed.
The music used in the Lucky Dip is always ( and this what I have been doing in the last 5 years) a reflection of pop music tracks that are popular at Ceroc in the last year or so. I therefore used a different mix of Toxic - did anyone notice ? - which has more breaks and pauses keeping within the same tempo... Great track !


The Intermediate got one track because this is what I had decided and since it was again a different mix of Rubberknecking, with a slow start and then kicking into the main track it would be perfect.

To be honest, it makes extremely little difference whether I'd used 1 2 3 tracks since they are all within the allocated timing. I understand that it's all about musical interpretation but if you are crap dancing a slow track what makes you think you'd be better dancing to a faster one or vice versa for that matter.


BUT.....



:yeah: is the biggest load of rubbish I have read all day and again assuming.

Erick

:waycool:

Ps: You forgot to mention the double throuble only 1 track....

Ouch!!

Chris and Jane were not crap - they were third in the 'Intermediates'! As for me, I was pleased to have toxic in 'Lucky Dip' and would have enjoyed dancing with Bill to one, two or three tracks with that man! :cool: Oh yes, we were second - thanks again Bill! :worthy: :worthy:


Elaine

[Daisy]

Originally posted by ericklondon

To be honest, it makes extremely little difference whether I'd used 1 2 3 tracks since they are all within the allocated timing. I understand that it's all about musical interpretation but if you are crap dancing a slow track what makes you think you'd be better dancing to a faster one or vice versa for that matter

Actually you would be suprised how many couples favour one kind of music from another. Some dance better to slow and others to fast. Dancing to slow tracks is actually more difficult I would say, so perhaps it is better to have both so that a balance of music is offered. :flower:

[ericklondon]

Hey,

I agree with all of you !! Different types of music blah blah... I agree with everything you are saying !!And yes, slower tracks ARE most difficult to dance to.

I wasn't having a go but just stating and explaining the whole music thing.

I NEVER said that Chris and Jane were crap.....

Next year, you can have 2 tracks in the intermediate !!
Ok, it was a bad decision maybe and I'm sorry... sorted !!

Erick



:waycool:

[ericklondon]

Ps: Please do not ask me anything about the judging.... I know nothing...:sick:

A few of you have been sending me PMs about the judging and I'm afraid you will have to take up your queries with Dave.

Thank you.

Erick


Ps: Is it just me, but my feet are still sore and my legs are just killing me !!! Is there something wrong with me ????
:what:

[Daisy]

Originally posted by ericklondon
Ps: Please do not ask me anything about the judging.... I know nothing...:sick:

A few of you have been sending me PMs about the judging and I'm afraid you will have to take up your queries with Dave.

Thank you.

Erick


Ps: Is it just me, but my feet are still sore and my legs are just killing me !!! Is there something wrong with me ????
:what:

Erick we love you and thanks for being so normal and honest, it's refreshing.:cheers:

[Lory]

Originally posted by Daisy
Erick we love you and thanks for being so normal and honest, it's refreshing.:cheers:
Erick! I don't think your normal :rofl: but I love you anyway! :flower: :hug:

[ericklondon]

:kiss: :kiss: :kiss: :grin:
Thank you !!

Lorraine... wait until I see you !!!:wink:

Erick

[Paul F]

Originally posted by ericklondon

Ps: Is it just me, but my feet are still sore and my legs are just killing me !!! Is there something wrong with me ????
:what:

Its not you mate. I feel as though i walked back to manchester!! My feet/legs but also my sides are aching like mad. Weird.

-------

RIGHT - DAVID + LILYS MOVE

Ive been thinking about this (i tend to over analyze moves) and it strikes me as remarkable.

Let me try and explain for those that didnt see it so i can get to my point
:)
David held Lily aloft above his head with , i believe, one straight arm.
Lily proceeded to wrap herself into the crab position (a ring shape by bending backwards clutching her heels :really:
David......wait for this........then dropped Lily - literally, himself acting as the central spire.
Lily ended up in the same crab position around Davids waist having stopped herself.
(this all happening in about a1/10th of a second)
:really: :really: :really: :really:

Now , what i was wondering is HOW ON EARTH DID LILY MANAGE THIS ?? (im hoping for a certain bit of feedback here :wink: :wink: - lily!!)

You see, the way i see it, the ring formed by Lily must have been wide enough to pass over Davids shoulders. Now, for most people their shoulders are wider than their waists SO

.....how did Lily know when (and how) to stop herself before hitting the floor:confused:
Somehow she/you (as im hoping you are reading this!) must have retracted that ring cirumference in at some point otherwise you wouldnt have stopped !!!

I cant go on , im speechless again

[Bill]

Originally posted by ChrisA
Question:


The Old Gits got two; and IIRC the Advanced and Open finals also got two.

Why, for the sake of an extra few minutes, couldn't the intermediates be treated in the same way? And Lucky Dip, for that matter, which also only got one.


Chris

Yes the Old Gits did get 2 tracks..............thanks Erick....:sick: Having only time for Mary to change my number after the Double Trouble I had a nice slow track and then bl***y Boogie Woogie Choo Choo Train :rolleyes: :tears: People who know me and my preferred speed of dancing will know exactly how delighted I was when I heard the opening bars of that !!!!!


Maybe a few grumbles but I have to thank thank Fran and Denise for being so patient and wonderful and sorry we couldn't retain the title but we did our best.

Thanks also to the lovely Mary who taught me a number of things in our one practice session a couple of weeks ago and also to the delightful Elaine and her gorgeous outfits - I know Franck appreciated them both :whistle: It says much about Elaine's dancing that I've never been that far in the London Lucky Dip before and honestly the way you were dancing I think you'd have reached the final regardless of who you had been dancing with. And I only entered because as Mary said - it was a nice way to warm up. I honestly expected to get through one round and then
I could concentrate on the other competitions.


If I enter again I must make sure my partner is from around Bristol. First a final with Jenny and now Elaine - :grin: :hug:


Congratulations to everyone who competed and to those who reached a final and like everyone else I was staggered to see David and Lily's moves but that was some final and all 5 were superb.

As for the music - well apart from 'that' track in the Old Gits final it would have been nice to have something a little slower in the second round of the Advanced it wasn't bad :rolleyes: but I am a rather tired and very very happy and proud Old Git. Thanks once again to Denise, Mary, Elaine and of course especially to my lovely partner Fran. Do I have to go to work in the morning :what:

[ericklondon]

Sorry Bill... I forgot you liked it nice and slow....:rofl: :rofl:

I tell you something though, some of those ladies and Bill in the Old Git didn't look a day over 38 I'd say.....!!
Thank you Estee Lauder- rip-
:grin: :grin:

Erick


So that you know.... The reason why we used the name Old Git is because Old Git Wines sponsored that particular category... They also have another wine called Old Tart Wines and if you don't believe me... Go down to your local Sainsbury's !!

How about that for a new category...????
:whistle:

[Dan]

Originally posted by RobC
....

sod all difference then ? ...



I cannot believe the amount of negative comments on this tread.

The standard of dancing was absolutely incredible. So many amazing dancers, so many familiar faces. You were inspiring. Well done everyone on the Forum who competed. Many did not get placed but were nevertheless great to watch - Tramp, Andy, Sheepman, Helen, Pammy, Roger C etc.

In my opinion Ceroc have made the effort to try and address mayof the issues raised before and demonstrated their willingness to listen. If you have any complaints and comments about the event you should address them directly to the management.

It was a great day. Hope you enjoyed it too.


.

[Robin]

First a massive well done to all competitors etc - fab selection of dancing and btw its Dave & Audrey who were 1st in the "Old Gits" (could so easily shlip up on the keyboard on that one...)

@Erick:
Thanks for giving Tezi & I a couple of sets - its nice to get tunes to the masses directly rather than through the grapevine !
(... do we 3 start humming a latin tune here and clapping our hands ?)

@Adam:
Awesome - both proud to be part of it - see, some dj's can actually dance too !

[Simon r]

Just a few word i too can not believe the bad comments being posted myself and Nicole had a great day, long but good.
The music superb and the standard the best i have ever seen in one room.

For those that stayed away your loss and sour grapes to you.

Agreed the place is a bit manky but i have danced in worse and at the end of the day it is what you make of it.

Thankyou to everyone i danced with and well done to everyone that took part and made the day to be one of the best comps i have attended.
:cheers:

[David Franklin]

Originally posted by Paul F
[B]RIGHT - DAVID + LILYS MOVE

Now , what i was wondering is HOW ON EARTH DID LILY MANAGE THIS ?? (im hoping for a certain bit of feedback here :wink: :wink: - lily!!)

You see, the way i see it, the ring formed by Lily must have been wide enough to pass over Davids shoulders. Now, for most people their shoulders are wider than their waists SO

.....how did Lily know when (and how) to stop herself before hitting the floor:confused:
Actually, this is probably the easiest part of the move - the man just has to make sure his legs are wider than his shoulders. It's getting the woman up there and in the right position that's the challenge.

Here's a good picture of Benji & Heidi from the US doing this move (the slightly easier version where the woman ends up facing the opposite way to the man).

[Barry Shnikov]

Originally posted by Yogi_Bear
I wasn't thereat Hammersmith, but If David and Lily danced the routine they showed us at Camber last month, that was the most stunning display of aerials I have seen (even from them), but even without the aerials it was an amazing rfoutine in terms of sheer style and panache.:eek:

Originally posted by Paul F
Now , what i was wondering is HOW ON EARTH DID LILY MANAGE THIS ??
I'm reliably informed that one of the moves was not featured at Camber (I was dancing on the blues floor at the time) and this was where David lifted Lily above his head , on her side; Lily then bent her legs behind her head and grasped her ankles, making herself into a 'circle'.
I remember thinking - 'you know what would be amazing, except it would be impossible, is if he just let her go and she dropped to the floor, encircling his body'...
...and then she did!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Of course, David spread his knees, giving her the 'soft' platform of his thighs to land on. I've no idea what happened for the next 30 seconds or so because that's how long it took me to recover my presence of mind.
It's the single most astonishing move I've seen any dancers, of any type, at any time, accomplish.
Bravo.

[ericklondon]

Simon R, Robin and Dan.... !!
Thank you very much for your comments !!!

:grin: :clap:

And yes I can feel a latin tune coming on !!

Personally, and since this is my 5th Champs, I think it was the best we delivered, the standard of dancing beats any of our past competitions so, well done to everyone !!!

Erick

:yum:

[Emma]

Late late late! posting but I had to go to work yesterday (where I managed to sleep surreptitiously behind the gallery desk hee hee).

What an awesome day....! I had the *best* time. I love the sticky dark Palais with it's awful toilets :nice: The place was just packed with good friends and potential friends, the music was fabulous (playlists, please!), the floor good enough fer me and not the most overcrowded one I ever danced on, there was available food and water - so who cares about anything else? We were on Planet Dance!

I am not going to attempt to roll call everyone I saw because a) everyone else has already done it and b) I'd probably forget some. Well done to ALL the forumites :cheers: It was great to see you all dancing, and lovely to chat to those that I managed to catch. Can't wait for the next time!

I have to mention the Greenwich posse - Jon & Natalia, Norma and Jim, Carla & Phil , Quarter Final Claire ( :clap: ) and of course the elegantly garbed Mr 'udson ;). Way to go guys, you were fabulous!!

I am also contractually obliged to mention Urban Metro (Hi Adam :wink: :hug: )...an awesome performance - when can we see it again? (can I have a t-shirt? ;) )

Huuuge thanks to all the fabulous men (and the girls) I danced with, wow: you were all without exception lovely. Seriously. Spoilt rotten, I was :grin:

But man, didn't I luck out in the Lucky Dip?! Marc - I just can't thank you enough for making it so enjoyable - my legs even forgot to shake!! It was an amazing experience and I loved *every* minute of it :hug:

I can't wait for next year!! (whose coming to Beach Ballroom?!)(and can someone please send me some new superlatives, I seem to be wearing out the ones I have :what: )

[ChrisA]

Hey, Erick :flower:

I guess if you're gonna say I'm talking a load of rubbish then I have to come back... :wink:


Originally posted by ericklondon
The Intermediate got one track because this is what I had decidedAha... all clear then :rolleyes:

and since it was again a different mix of Rubberknecking, with a slow start and then kicking into the main track it would be perfect.Piffle and bunk, I say. A few seconds of slow intro on (yet another) fast track, ok though it was, is in no way equivalent to a slow track and a fast one. Are you a dancer as well as a DJ? (Genuine question, since I only know you from here AFAIK).

There are lots of things you wouldn't do to a fast track that are fine to a slow one, and vice versa, so providing just the one effectively eliminates a chunk of dance repertoire at a stroke.

So when I said:


It just smacks of "oh, it's not important"... it seemed to me that you were consciously preventing the intermediates from having the chance to show off what they can do - implying something second rate about those in that category.

Whereas now it seems that having one track only was a pretty arbitrary decision - or at least based on a completely wrong assumption (ie slow intro equivalent to a slow track).


To be honest, it makes extremely little difference whether I'd used 1 2 3 tracks since they are all within the allocated timing. I understand that it's all about musical interpretation but if you are crap dancing a slow track what makes you think you'd be better dancing to a faster one or vice versa for that matter.With respect, now who's talking rubbish??? :flower:

For a start, lots of people find either slow music or fast music easier to dance to, and it's different for different folk.

But that's not the point... the way you'd interpret fast music is simply not going to be the same as the way you'd interpret slow music, and I strongly believe that, particularly once you get to the final, the Intermediates is a "grown up" competition, with people that are likely to have worked hard to get there, and who should therefore have just as much chance to strut their stuff as the Advanced and Open lot. The same argument might also apply to Lucky Dip.


I NEVER said that Chris and Jayne were crap.....I know you didn't sweetie :hug:

Next year, you can have 2 tracks in the intermediate !!
Doh !!!! We should have come 4th :wink:

Ok, it was a bad decision maybe and I'm sorry... sorted !!Top man. :cheers:

Chris

[Paul F]

Originally posted by David Franklin

Here's a good picture of Benji & Heidi from the US doing this move (the slightly easier version where the woman ends up facing the opposite way to the man).

Fantastic picture David.
I guess it was my memory convincing me that she managed to stop herself half way down. Makes sense now i see the picture.

[ericklondon]

Hey Chris,

I agree with all your points without any questions whatsoever !!

Yes I do dance and I have been around doing the whole "keeping the Ceroc Masses " dancing up and down for the last 8 years !!
As for music and dancing to slow, fast, latin, pop.... I sure know about that too.... and don't laugh... I was 2nd twice in a row in the Junior British Ice Dancing Champs about 15 years ago... ok, can you stop laughing now cause I can hear you from where I'm sat !!! I looked good in Lycra my mother assured me !!
:yum:

So.... to recap, I'm sorry, perhaps in was a bad decision or maybe, I was having one of my " I wanna be controversial moments " BUT next year I will make sure we have 2 tracks !!

And again, well done to everyone...!!!

I am in such a good mood today !!
:grin:

Byyyyyyyyyyyyeeeeeeeeeee!!!

Chris See you soon.

Erick :waycool:

[Andy McGregor]

There have been a few postings on this tread saying that people are wrong to post negative comments about the Ceroc Champs.

I think most of the postings are balanced. They are mostly stating what-I-liked vs what-I-didn't-like. IMHO this is healthy and it is how things improve. EricLondon has shown that he is willing to listen to criticism, give it careful consideration and make changes where he sees fit. IMHO this makes him a great guy (I wonder if he's a good kisser too:devil: ). If we were all luvvies and just said how lovely things were and how nice and fluffy and pink everything is we'd never have change for the better. We might even get people guessing what needs to be changed and changing the good stuff:confused:

The forum is for debate and discussion as well as entertainment. To debate something you need people to take opposing views - that doesn't happen in the pink fug of luvviness that some people seem to want the forum to be. Speaking personally, I sometimes even post an opposing view that I don't actually hold. It is still a valid point of view and it is a useful exercise in understanding a different persons thinking.

So my advice is to keep posting what you liked about Sunday and keep posting what you didn't like too.

And talking about what you liked, wasn't ElaineB's basque absolutely the most sexy item of clothing worn all day? Next year can can we have a category sponsored by Janet Reger or Agent Provocateur?:devil:

[Pammy]

Right, my comments for the day....

Not crowded - much better than in previous years, so that was a bonus.

Floor - better than I'd expected so that pleased me too.

Smoking - Aaaaggghhh; well that one always drives me mad.

Music - Suddenly, at one song, can't remember which it became incredibly loud, but the choice of songs for the competition was generally good all round I though. I can't remember what Tony and I got in any of our heats but I know they were all good ones!

Food & Drink - ok, I was very cross about this. Again we were told in the queue. "Please empty your bags of food and in particular any drink as it will not be allowed into the venue". I didn't take any notice of this and had no problem when I reached the front of the queue, but others around us, who also had brough stuff with them were frantically trying to cram it down their throats for fear of losing it. I was under the impression that this wasn't going to happen again? :what:

Lucky Dip - Sorry, but I thought this was a farce. Poor old Andy McGregor and our Helen were treated really badly on the day. I thought they stood a really good chance when they were paired up; two great dancers together. Their first dance went really well and I honestly thought they looked the best on the floor (despite being slightly biased :wink: ) They didn't get through the first round :what: :confused: Went to double check this (as there had been a slight confusion with Andy's numbers). Was told that they had received the number of votes required to go through by various judges. However, neither Mike Ellard, nor Linda Barker seemed to be fussed about checking. <i>We</i> checked at the results desk and Andy was basically told "well, we'll look into it, but it's a bit late now". Poor old Helen was only doing that class on the day and it was really disappointing for her (and no doubt Andy as well). Mike's words on the subject were rather sharp. Whilst I know he's under a lot of pressure on the day, there should be someone available to answer any queries. There was plenty of time to sort out this mistake, but nobody in authority seemed to think it worthwhile and as someone pointed out to the guy correlating the results on the computer "Well yes it is a problem, when the competitors have received the required number of votes to go through and clearly they don't, yes, fundamentally there is a big problem"... Someone else mentioned getting knocked out in the first round when they thought they shouldn't have been and I would hazard a guess at saying the same thing probably happened to them... A real shame. It's not about sour grapes or being a bad loser, but when you get some great dancers together, it's pretty much impossible for them to go out that early on...

BBC - Utter farce. Really disappointed by that. Two cluts getting in the way. The man, a real idiot, tossing his jacket down in the way of the Intermediate competitors. Smacking his bum in some sort of "sex ride the pony" affair. Embarassing and shameful. Shouldn't have been allowed. There were enough amazing "real" dancers to make something worthwhile for the licence payers to view on tv. What those idiots was doing bore no relevance what-so-ever to Ceroc and in short, I think we were just a "back-drop" and that's about the long and short of it. Those two should've been filmed during a free-style session if it HAD to be done and not during the first heats of the Intermediates. :mad:

Anyway, back to the fun aspects of the day... David and Lily. Wow. They were the highlight of my day. I couldn't believe how good they were. Wish I had a video of them doing those moves as I'd watch it again and again. It was also great to catch up with old friends. Franck - so good to see you :hug: Bill, good to catch up with you again; you are so funny and Fran - I really like you, you are such a nice person :flower: Bill and Mary looked great up there together. Chris & Jayne - I'm so happy for you, I really am - you two deserve to get that and I know how pleased you must be :grin: Thanks for the dances to all the great men - Dave Hancock; sorry I was such a bafoon on the floor :blush:

Great to see everyone enjoying themselves and can't wait to catch up again soon.

Over and out for now.

The Pamster
x

PS Thanks for the free strip-tease Andy :innocent:

[Andy McGregor]

Originally posted by Pammy
PS Thanks for the free strip-tease Andy :innocent:

Glad you liked it:kiss:

I couldn't help myself, I was taking my clothes off anyway and they were playing music, it was too good a chance to miss:innocent:

And Eric was playing such good music it was nice to be able to throw off each item on a musical high point:sick:

[Zuhal]

Originally posted by Simon r
Just a few word i too can not believe the bad comments being posted myself and Nicole had a great day, long but good.
The music superb and the standard the best i have ever seen in one room.

For those that stayed away your loss and sour grapes to you.

Agreed the place is a bit manky but i have danced in worse and at the end of the day it is what you make of it.

Thankyou to everyone i danced with and well done to everyone that took part and made the day to be one of the best comps i have attended.
:cheers: :yeah:

As a new Dancer
I had a great day out
Got dragged through to the second round of the lucky dip by a good dancer
Had some nice dances
For those poor folks that are on and off the competition floor so frequently that they need to complain (about just about everything judging by this thread)
can I complement the “organisation” on the preservation of the freestyle time.

[ChrisA]

Originally posted by Pammy
BBC - Utter farce. Really disappointed by that. Two cluts getting in the way. The man, a real idiot, tossing his jacket down in the way of the Intermediate competitors. Smacking his bum in some sort of "sex ride the pony" affair. Embarassing and shameful. Shouldn't have been allowed. There were enough amazing "real" dancers to make something worthwhile for the licence payers to view on tv. What those idiots was doing bore no relevance what-so-ever to Ceroc and in short, I think we were just a "back-drop" and that's about the long and short of it. Those two should've been filmed during a free-style session if it HAD to be done and not during the first heats of the Intermediates. :mad:
............ :yeah:
I don't understand why they should feel the need to ridicule us. I think we deserve an explanation.

Was all this business about "winners may be requested to dance on TV" and all that just a load of b0110x? If not, I'd worry about how they're going to be portrayed.

Chris

[Franck]

Originally posted by ChrisA
I don't understand why they should feel the need to ridicule us. I think we deserve an explanation.

Was all this business about "winners may be requested to dance on TV" and all that just a load of b0110x? If not, I'd worry about how they're going to be portrayed. My understanding is that the BBC filmed more than just the stunt with the 2 celebrities(?). The idea was not to ridicule any dancers, except for the 2 celebrities who, no doubt, will be portrayed as trying to gatecrash their way into the Ceroc Champs. This provides the BBC with a hook to introduce the Champs to the unaware masses. Its seems TV producers cannot conceive of anything of interest unless it features one or two celebs...

[ElaineB]

Originally posted by Bill

Thanks also to the lovely Mary who taught me a number of things in our one practice session a couple of weeks ago and also to the delightful Elaine and her gorgeous outfits - I know Franck appreciated them both :whistle: It says much about Elaine's dancing that I've never been that far in the London Lucky Dip before and honestly the way you were dancing I think you'd have reached the final regardless of who you had been dancing with. And I only entered because as Mary said - it was a nice way to warm up. I honestly expected to get through one round and then
I could concentrate on the other competitions.


If I enter again I must make sure my partner is from around Bristol. First a final with Jenny and now Elaine - :grin: :hug:
Hey Bill,

There is no way that I would have got into that final without you leading me!! Your ears should have been burning in the early hours of Monday morning as Jenny and I oozed compliments about you. Not only did you probably compete in more rounds than anyone else that day, but you took home three medals - amazing! Another name you could go by is 'Sir' Bill 'Redgrave'.

:D :worthy: :hug:

You really made my day!! Being up there with all your other ladies and the big names was an incredible moment for me!!

So here's to your next 'Lucky Dip' - if you come to Bristol, I can guarantee that the Ladies will be queing up to dance with you. It would be fantastic if you guys could get here!! :hug: If not, no doubt we will see you somewhere soon!! Shame Aberdeen is so far away!!

Thanks again Bill!!


Elaine :kiss:

[ElaineB]

Originally posted by ericklondon
Hey Chris,

I agree with all your points without any questions whatsoever !!

Yes I do dance and I have been around doing the whole "keeping the Ceroc Masses " dancing up and down for the last 8 years !!
As for music and dancing to slow, fast, latin, pop.... I sure know about that too.... and don't laugh... I was 2nd twice in a row in the Junior British Ice Dancing Champs about 15 years ago... ok, can you stop laughing now cause I can hear you from where I'm sat !!! I looked good in Lycra my mother assured me !!
:yum:

So.... to recap, I'm sorry, perhaps in was a bad decision or maybe, I was having one of my " I wanna be controversial moments " BUT next year I will make sure we have 2 tracks !!

And again, well done to everyone...!!!

I am in such a good mood today !!
:grin:

Byyyyyyyyyyyyeeeeeeeeeee!!!

Chris See you soon.

Erick :waycool:

Erick,

Sorry I didn't get to meet you - should I look out for you wearing a Lycra all in one then?? :wink:

Just wanted to say how impressed I am that you took the comments about 'two tracks' on board so quickly. Good on yah! :D

And about the music, yes, it was very good indeed!! :flower: Look forward to hearing/seeing you DJ again!

Elaine

[ElaineB]

Originally posted by Andy McGregor


And talking about what you liked, wasn't ElaineB's basque absolutely the most sexy item of clothing worn all day? Next year can can we have a category sponsored by Janet Reger or Agent Provocateur?:devil:

Blige!! Didn't realise that you coveted my basque Andy!! I thought you had good taste when I saw you dressed up as a woman in Blackpool. :D And as for the photo's of you in that 'little pink dress' - so this year!! ;)

I am the proud owner of five basques now - so if you want to borrow one........., but you will need Mary to place her foot in your back when she pulls the cords tight!! :whistle:

Elaine :kiss:

[Bardsey]

Thanks everyone for these postings. As I couldn't be there myself, I have to rely on my forumite friends to let me know all the hot goss and results.

Well done to all the ones who were placed and commiserations to all the ones who weren't, sounds like you all had a great day tho and I'll DEF be at the next champs!

Jill :kiss: :hug:

[Pammy]

Originally posted by Franck
My understanding is that the BBC filmed more than just the stunt with the 2 celebrities(?). The idea was not to ridicule any dancers, except for the 2 celebrities who, no doubt, will be portrayed as trying to gatecrash their way into the Ceroc Champs. This provides the BBC with a hook to introduce the Champs to the unaware masses. Its seems TV producers cannot conceive of anything of interest unless it features one or two celebs...

Well, I didn't see the BBC filming anyone else - if they did, they certainly didn't put the same effort in, as with the two celebs.

Anyway, Celeb's??? :what: Who were they then?

[Gareth]

RIGHT - DAVID + LILYS MOVE

I could`nt agree more, this was a WOW move. I have seen this move once before on a video of Circus de Soleil. Where not only was the lady in this position but a young boy too. They both ended up wrapped around the guy. :eek:

Well done David & Lily. Please continue to WOW us all.
:cheers:

[Bill]

Originally posted by ElaineB
So here's to your next 'Lucky Dip' - if you come to Bristol, I can guarantee that the Ladies will be queing up to dance with you. It would be fantastic if you guys could get here!! :hug: If not, no doubt we will see you somewhere soon!! Shame Aberdeen is so far away!!

Thanks again Bill!!


Elaine :kiss:

Would be great to get down to Bristol soon and enjoy some more wonderful dances with you , Jenny and all the other lovely dancers from that area. Feel free to wear any of the basques :innocent: :D

All the best to you and SImon for your next comp.

:cheers:

[RobC]

Originally posted by Andy McGregor
There have been a few postings on this tread saying that people are wrong to post negative comments about the Ceroc Champs.

I think most of the postings are balanced. They are mostly stating what-I-liked vs what-I-didn't-like. IMHO this is healthy and it is how things improve. EricLondon has shown that he is willing to listen to criticism, give it careful consideration and make changes where he sees fit. IMHO this makes him a great guy (I wonder if he's a good kisser too:devil: ). If we were all luvvies and just said how lovely things were and how nice and fluffy and pink everything is we'd never have change for the better. We might even get people guessing what needs to be changed and changing the good stuff:confused:

:yeah: Bring on the negative feedback - how else are things to improve ?



Originally posted by Simon r
Just a few word i too can not believe the bad comments being posted myself and Nicole had a great day, long but good.
The music superb and the standard the best i have ever seen in one room.

For those that stayed away your loss and sour grapes to you.

Agreed the place is a bit manky but i have danced in worse and at the end of the day it is what you make of it.
I have not made any judgement or postings about the dancing or the music. I know people will always make the most of what is given to them, so of course the dancing is always going to be of a high standard.

I have been seeking (and prompting for) feedback about the venue itself, which lets face it, is never going to change. It never has since the first time I went there in 1997, despite numerous 'changes of management'.

So, try and 'think outside the box' for a minute. I don't suppose that we'll ever get an official head count from the organisers to say just how many people stayed away, but for the sake of argument, assume that there were an extra 100 people in the venue, or even another 200 or 300. Would you still be making comments about how easy it was to get onto the dance floor without trampling spectators ? Would you still have been able to find space to spectate, to change, or even sit down and chill ?

As far as I have seen from the previous postings, while the dancing and music may have been magnificent, the problems with the venue remain, although maybe less obvious due to the smaller numbers in the venue. So no, it's not sour grapes. It's a genuine concern that the organisers pay heed to the feedback and change the venue for future competitions.

(And for the record - I did write to the organisers directly last year giving them constructive feedback, so I'm not just a 'forum winger'.)

[Sheepman]

Originally posted by Andy McGregor
So my advice is to keep posting what you liked about Sunday and keep posting what you didn't like too. Thanks for that permission . . .

I'm sure I said I had a great day, and that the dancing was brilliant. If this is the only championships you can get to in a year, then you should go, and be amazed by the dancing. But what is wrong with saying it could be better. I would love to be able to say that my local event is the best, but at this venue, it never will be, when compared with Blackpool and Britroc. From what I hear, the Weston-Super-Mare venue is superb, and though I've not been I'm sure the Scottish champs are excellent and superbly run (any Scottish boots need licking clean :wink: )

I can understand people who've never been to other competitions being a bit miffed by negative comments. From what I've seen, they are all quite specific and constructive criticisms. This is what you need in order to improve things.

The competition music was excellent, almost as good as Britroc last year (which IMO was the best). I even enjoyed "Baby Likes To Rock It" in the Old Gits final, though my partner did need to have a little lie down afterwards, these youngsters have no stamina!!

Greg

[Easter Bunny]

Originally posted by Pammy
Well, I didn't see the BBC filming anyone else - if they did, they certainly didn't put the same effort in, as with the two celebs.

Anyway, Celeb's??? :what: Who were they then?


The girl was from Hollyoaks (not sure if she is still in it, but used to be one of the main characters blokes lusted after) - can't remember her name, no doubt some chap on the forum will remember now I've mentioned Hollyoaks!

Not sure about her "dance" partner (if you can call it that) I thought it was a complete insult to the great dancers on the floor at the same time as well as the rest who took part on the day. Let's hope it's not portrayed that way on the beeb and end up putting people of trying jive for themselves.

PS: BIG THANKS to all 3 partners of my partners:
Graham W in the 'Open'; (at least I got to wear my pink sparkly dress).
Nick Britten in the 'Old Gits' (hate that name!) - who got me to the final, sorry we did not get placed Nick. - Lots of people said they thought we should have been and not just local friends - but hey that's how it goes.
Not forgetting Graham (?from Nottingham) in the lucky dip - I think we were one of the couples that 'lost out' in getting through to next round due to our number being switched between heats back and forth and just being told to go into a heat our number was not listed for - As Graham is a lovely dancer.

Hope to see lots of you at Weston in July to make it a great event.

Message for Bill - Did you notice how Elaine just pipped me to the post in getting you for a partner in the lucky Dip! - she is a canny lass! (I was the one that was stood with you first of all before we got move on) - still as she is a local lass, and such a great girl, I will let her off this time!

Well this 'Old Git' is totally exhausted from the great day but can't wait for the next one!

Lesley (Easter Bunny)

[DavidB]

I've been fortunate in the last year to dance in front of three of the most enthusiastic competition audiences around (Hammersmith, Blackpool & Sydney). It was an incredible atmosphere to dance in.

Starting from the queue to get in, things were improved. Entrance to the venue, being able to take food in, registration for competitions (ie none!), drinks prices, availability of water, were all dramatically better.

I thought the music was good. I'd always expect the Ceroc champs to be more weighted to modern music than Blackpool, and Erick found some good tracks to play. No-one will ever like every track played, but I can't complain about any track I had. I also really enjoyed the freestyle music.

It doesn't bother me that the results were delayed - I'm sure there was a good reason. Just let people know that they are going to be late, and if any subsequent timings are going to be changed. (I like the idea that some comps have where there is a Head Judge. They have complete responsibility for the judges and the rules, and the competitors know who to go to if they have any questions. If nothing else it would take some pressure off Mike.)

Is it possible to use the large video displays to show the marks? Then no-one has to run around to try to find out.

I think Mike was trying to create a bit of atmosphere by only announcing the semifinalists immediately before the heat. This works well in Ballroom competitions when couples are only doing one category. But it doesn't work in Modern Jive - too many people enter too many different categories.

You don't need a Showcase Final or a Team Final. And certainly not so close to the freestyle finals. I think Will only had the energy because he knew that Man C had stayed up

The floor was perfect for me, but maybe too slow for people who move a bit more! Then again I did take 4 pairs of shoes with me to make sure I was ok. The carpet away from the dance floor had an unusual texture...

The lighting was interesting. Early on you didn't know what was going to happen next. But the semis & finals were great.

Changing facilities were available - that in itself was better than some competitions. It was just as well - the toilets were too dirty to change in.

There was only one aerial performed that I'd never seen before in competition - Martin's double Supergirl in the Double Trouble. I tried to get in on the act by doing a Superman in the first round of the open. But although I managed to split my trousers completely, I then couldn't work out how to get my underpants on the outside of my trousers.

I still don't like the venue - I hope that Ceroc manage to find an alternative for next year. But I think that Ceroc did an excellent job and went out of their way to improve on last year's event.

[Little Em]

hello!! this is all new to me !!
never been on your forum before!!

me & alex from ceroc central r coming to champs in August and would love to do a showcase (though never done together before ..so could b interesting!! ha ha)

any interest from anybody?!? tell your friends!!!!
if you are post onto the forum!!!!

i loved hammersmith this year!! though as a few peps have said the music was LOUD wasn it!!! that bass was shaking my butt off the dance floor!!!

being at ceroc central dont know many peps here!! so any replies would b good!!


little Em :cheers::grin:

[Minnie M]

Originally posted by DavidB
I managed to split my trousers completely, I then couldn't work out how to get my underpants on the outside of my trousers..........

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

I was sitting right behind and didn't know what had happened until you put your hand on your bum and started feeling for the split :blush: :rofl:

[Andy McGregor]

Originally posted by ElaineB
I am the proud owner of five basques now - so if you want to borrow one........., but you will need Mary to place her foot in your back when she pulls the cords tight!! :whistle:

Elaine :kiss:

I think that, for me, it would need a whole team of Marys to pull my cords tight - and I find one Mary quite scary enough:wink:

[Franck]

wow, just recovering from a brilliant week-end... It took me a while to read through the many posts / reports and overall I agree with DavidB. Many of the previous issues had been dealt with and with marginally fewer people there (?) there was more room to dance :D

The week-end was off to a good start in Windsor, where after getting a police escort we (Mairi, ChrisH, Sheena, JohnL and myself) got there and met even more Scots as well as a few forumites... Great dancing, though many of you seemed absorbed in pre-comp practise! :wink:

Sunday was perfect for me, I really loved the new timing, starting at 10.30 to get the Lucky Dip heats out of the way was inspired, and meant we got loads of freestyle during the day (and we needed it with so many amazing people there!

The Ceroc Champs was perfect for what it is. Everyone knows I think competitions are 'evil', but as a means to gather thousands of dancers together, provide inspiration and showcase the direction Ceroc (and Modern Jive) is taking, nothing beats it.
I loved the music all day, I like LOUD music... I love to feel the bass and the drums through my whole body, no just my ears, and I loved LittleEm's quote too:
that bass was shaking my butt off the dance floor!!!I don't want to start a list of everyone with whom I had a great dance, as I would be bound to forget someone, but I had amazing sexy, fun (or both :wink: ) dances.

After the Champs we made it back for more partying at the Peace Haven (not so appropriately named) where we drank sparkling wine, played music and danced some more... Dale... you must bring your friends to a Ceroc night (ideally in Scotland...) They are amazing dancers!
The night wasn't over until the small hours of the morning, but who needs sleep when you have such friends!

Congratulations to all winners, and everyone who achieved more than they hoped, you deserve it!

Franck.

[Andy McGregor]

Originally posted by Zuhal
[BFor those poor folks that are on and off the competition floor so frequently that they need to complain (about just about everything judging by this thread)
[/B]

Welcome to the Forum Zuhal, it's great to have some fresh blood. The negative comments could be taken as 'complaints' but I don't think they have been. Experienced (though not necessarily successful:tears:) competitors have been commenting about what was good/bad compared to other comps - you can only do that when you've been to a few competitions. We're not all whingers, what we are is keen competitors and we'd like to see these competitions become better and better so we discuss how they could be improved:waycool: EricLondon is using this feedback to improve the event next year which couldn't happen if people only said nice stuff - but the nice stuff is there too!

N.B. Zuhal, you may like to read the post I made a few posts above yours. It explains why I think we need this negative as well as positive feedback. I've even had a PM telling me how right that particular post was.

[bigdjiver]

Whatever the BBC were up to, and it does not seem to be promoting Ceroc, the fact remains that there have been BBC insiders at the event to see what it is really about, and there is now a camera crew with experience of the champs. It is a foot in the door. Next time ...

[JamesGeary]

David & Lily's performance. Wow!! I think they are going to have to change the rules to 10 seconds in the air per track, just so that people get a chance to look at all the other competitors. Jaw dropping.

Hehehe. I intend to find a woman foolish enough to let me do that doughnut move with them.

Adam & Mandy's group, fantastic, it was the first time I'd seen a large British team cabaret that rivals the best Australian team cabarets. Inspiring Stuff.

Dale, new kid on the block, fantastic and smooth. Great seeing new blood winning things. Having Debster has to help :)

J & C, awesome second track in the finals, putting them back on top again! Remaining the benchmark.

Fabulous shows all around!! i can't wait for the video.

[Lisa]

Wow what a weekend. :clap: I’m still smiling yeh yeh yeh! The dancing was truly inspiring and my feet were on fire afterwards.

Firstly, well done Bill….. you are an amazing dancer! I was so excited for you… a bit greedy getting three medals eh?!!! You also deserve an award for having the most stamina! I don’t know how you managed to go straight from the DT final to the Old Gits Final without a breather… and the track was the Choo Choo train track! :worthy: Well done to your patners Fran, Denise, Mary and Elaine. All very stylish.

So many congrats… Dale and Debs! Awesome!
Urban Metro. Absolutely brilliant!
David & Lily …my jaw just dropped to the ground after the doughnut? move. Wow! Absolutely mindblowing!
Linda and David for dancing in the final, you looked fab!

I thought the music was brilliant & varied. I managed a fab blues, jive, salsa, then swing dances each straight after one another! Great fun.

Well done Steve and Emma, dancing on the day! Thanks for the compliment of asking me to dance Steve, sorry I said no … I guess I’m still nervous about the thought of competing without practise. And I'd definitely need it! Reminds me of those ballroom comps as a kid. :sick:

The post comp party was so fun! Sheena… I’m embarrassed to confess that I can’t remember much about trying that doughnut move. Must have been something in the champagne. :blush: :blush: I hope Asif survived unscathed! I just remember being very very hyper and enjoying the celebration. Dale, your friends were absolutely wonderful and what great salsa dancers! Thanks for being a true gent and taking us to out on Sat. See you at the Beach Ballroom wkd :hug:

Special thanks Monika for organising all us Aberdeen girls! And for being such a good supportive friend. Shakala Baby!! I’m so pleased you still went to the champs even thought it was incredibly frustrating that you couldn’t dance. We all want a speedy recovery for you!

Last but not least…thanks to the all the guys and girls for my wonderful dances!

Lisa x

[Fran]

a bit late but I would just like to add that it was a great weekend and lovely to meet everyone again and also new peole - pammy Boomer and Dan. Thanks for looking after denise Dan you both looked great ! - and we were not bad as her personal dressers :rofl: Not sure what the security guys thought though.

A huge thanks to Bill and Denise because we always have so much fun together - makes up for the lack of practice!

I personaly felt that it was better than previous years in the smoothness of getting in the venue and it was also better because there were not so many people inside the venue. and I enjoyed the music very much.

I have to agree with all the comments about the posting of results - even the people helping out could not understand why the format had been changed from last year:confused:

Thought the actors looked ridiculous etc.

But the toilets were appaling and there is absolutly no excuse for not having anthing clean or suitable to dry your hands on - disgusting. :mad: As this comment was made prior to the comp it could have been acted upon. it is easier to fix than the state of the very sticky, uukky carpet:what: :what:

that aside it was fantastic to watch the dancers in the open final - well worth going for! :cheers: and thankyou to them all for their effort and guts to do it. ( wish the BBC had filmed that part - possibly with the 2 neds looking on! )

A huge thanks to Tony and Mary for putting all three of us up and it was lovley - Im sorry that denise and I were a bit hyper when we got back. Dont know how Bill puts up with us!
I am still really tierd - and very proud of my old git :hug:

hope to see lots of you in scotland for the scottish comp on the 14th Aug

:hug:
franx

[Jon]

Firstly have to thank my partner Natalia for dancing beautifully, we had a great time competing and were smiling and having fun in every heat.

Well done to everyone who competed its you who make the champs worth coming too. Costumes were excellent and the standard of dancing year on year is getting higher all the time.

Especially well done to Ceroc Greenwich of which I believe we had 9 people enter the champs and some getting to the quater and semi finals. And Taz and Phil nice costumes! :yum:

So nice to see people in the showcase and team events that I hadnt seen before which bought a bit of freshness to the champs this year.

My biggest dissapointment was the bbc. What were those actors doing, getting in the way of good dancers, the camera man standing on the floor not even filming the dancers. And that disqualification act what a waste of time.

But all in all far better than last year. Cant wait for next year.

[Barry Shnikov]

Originally posted by Pammy
Well, I didn't see the BBC filming anyone else - if they did, they certainly didn't put the same effort in, as with the two celebs.

:yeah: and I was watching pretty carefully


Anyway, Celeb's??? :what: Who were they then?

She, apparently, was from a programme called 'Hollioakes' (?)
Or, alternatively, who cares?:rolleyes:

[Barry Shnikov]

Originally posted by Andy McGregor
I find one Mary quite scary enough:wink:

SHAME!!!:eek:

[Andy McGregor]

Originally posted by Barry Shnikov
SHAME!!!:eek:

I'm easily scared by strong women, women in red, women in basques, women in, well anything really...

[Barry Shnikov]

Originally posted by Franck
Everyone knows I think competitions are 'evil', but as a means to gather thousands of dancers together, provide inspiration and showcase the direction Ceroc (and Modern Jive) is taking, nothing beats it.

Hey! Someone who agrees with me about competitions. (Well, 'evil' might be a bit strong...)

I got there at 8.30am for the set-up - it was a bit frantic this year as a) we started later and b) we had to be set up earlier and c) we had to carry all the food in this year, but it was great fun.

Though one of our number went off on a frolic of his own, deciding to take up one set of temporary flooring and re-lay it at a 45º angle to the main floor. This meant he and the 'newbie' he collared were occupied for the best part of 30 minutes to no effect whatsoever. One or two toys were subsequently thrown out of prams...:wink:

Of all the complaints I've seen here, the two I have sympathy with is the one about judging and late announcement of results and one or two other organisational slipups in that area, and the one about the loos. I hope that Bradders is reading this thread and gives an appropriate kick to the cleaners about that. Having said that, the usual reason why toilets are filthy is that the people who use them take no care. (I for one am thoroughly fed up with always having to stand in a pool of p*** every time I take a look. Perhaps kids should be taught how to do it in school - they certainly aren't learning at home.:what: )

To those who are making wholesale complaints - mentioning no names - I would say this: don't go if you don't like it. There's other events you obviously do like, and there's loads of people who like Hammersmith. Maybe a better venue can be found, but I'll bet there are going to be hundreds of people going to Shepherd's Bush Road next May Day Bank Holiday weekend if Ceroc decide to go there again.

I particularly enjoyed: Emma's showcase, David and Lily's dancing, and an especially gorgeous woman and fabulous dancer who broke my heart when she told me she usually dances in Aberdeen...<sigh>

I kept mooching round the corner near the entrance, hoping to dance with Mary and/or Pammy but they were never bloody there...

Come midnight and it's time to break up the floor and carry everything back out to the vans. Well, thinks Barry, at least we don't have to carry the food back out again...well, we did. Half a van full, and that's not counting the tremendous quantity of baguettes left behind in the store room. I have a box full of fruit, vegetables and Mars Bars on my kitchen table.

So about 1.50 am we finally finished, and off I toddled, deliciously knackered and blissfully fulfilled. See you next year.

[Gordon J Pownall]

Well, what more can be added to all the threads...

Having spent most of last years champs in the DJ booth with Erick and a little time this year with him on the stage, Erick - back to the bar with you!!!

It was incredibly difficult to even see the dancefloor from the stage, never mind about being behind the speakers.:waycool:

Overall, the venue is a night club and as such, the crew had to work with what was left over from the night before. I arrived about an hour before doors open, to find most of the (Champs) crew still running around tidying the place up of their own volition.

Music was however marvellous and choices for the categories was varied and suitable. DJ Bunnie (Sal Ford) :flower: DJ'd and coordinated the the BritRoc champs music last year (and again later this year!) and it is not an easy task - well done Erick.

Word out to David and Audrey Sampson - they were reserve team members for UrbanMetro who entered the Old Gits to keep themselves occupied during the day and won their first ever Champs entry (both are amazing dancers).

Adam and Taz brought new life and energy into this thing called modern jive we all love so much!:clap:

The showcases had everything - creative and expressive across a whole genre of music and styles. Just watch any of the routines and then try to simplify musical interpretation!!! Well done to all for giving us voyeurs an amazing days entertainment. :blush:

The day is what you make it - if you can overlook sticky carpets, dirty loos and muck in then I suppose you can have a pretty good day. Arguably of course we all pay to be there and the Palais should really get it's act together over the easily solved litttle things that can make so much diffference - carpets, dirty loos etc.

Was the day great - of course it was - everyone who was there competing, dancing and watching made it a great day - yes that means you!!!

A personal thank you to all the crowd who made UrbanMetro feel so welcome - your cheers and shouts really do uplift all competitors.

A very personal thank you to Karen Skilling and the team :kiss: - many of you didn't see the comraderie, encouragement and support that took place between two 'rival' teams who were both finalists just before the final. More encouragement was exchanged between the two teams than you could imagine - this is what makes the day special - people getting together to enjoy their love of dance. :yeah: :hug:

Finally thanks to Adam and Mandy from CerocMetro for giving all of the UrbanMetro team the opportunity to turn our dream of four months ago into the reality of Sunday - we love you guys and we are looking forward to performing again this Friday at Cheshunt.

Sorry forumites - blatant plug but Adam and Mandy have been teaching Ceroc at Cheshunt (Wolsey Hall) for TEN years this Friday and we are having one helluva party with guests from Sweden, the UrbanMetro Krew performance and loads of other things...

Please do come and join us for a great night out.

Love to you all....:cool:


XXX

[Boomer]

Well, what can I say about Sunday? I’ll open with what I didn’t like, then what I did like.
I have to say that the whole BBC thing was, MHO, ridiculous. When one considers that a lot of people put a lot of effort into practising for the comp, to have the entire 1st round of the Intermediates reduced to little more than a farce by the presence of two ‘celebs’ was unfair. I didn’t, and don’t compete, so cannot say how distracting it really was, or even how much it would have distracted me, but I did find it disrespectful. I was also disappointed in the lack of any appeal system. There were a few competitors who felt unfairly done-by, and from some of what I’ve heard rightly so. To pay your money to compete, and then be knocked-out due to an admin error is horrible. Maybe this is the first time this has occurred, and the lack of any means of appeal can be pinned to that. If so, I hope someone has taken notes and is thinking of a way of preventing this in the future.

Now, what I liked. Everything else :nice: The quality of the competitors was amazing. This was the first time I'’e seen David and Lily ‘dancing for real’ and yep, the doughnut-drop left me stunned. Thought something was coming, had the camera ready, and forgot to snap :grin: even liked the venue. No, it wasn’t perfect but it did make a change to to enjoy a bit of MJ in something other than a town hall, or church-hall.
As for the music, as a spectator I thought it was too loud, but as a dancer, just right…in fact, when I’m dancing, the louder the better (if I can’t hear myself think over the music, I can’t think about moves, so I dance :grin: )

I actually had a really good time, much better than I thought I would and in spite of some admin-aspects.

[RobC]

Originally posted by Barry Shnikov
To those who are making wholesale complaints - mentioning no names - I would say this: don't go if you don't like it. There's other events you obviously do like, and there's loads of people who like Hammersmith.
Yup, didn't go. And I would have to disagree with your assumption that 'there's loads of people who like Hammersmith'. Of all the glowing praise in this thread, there's lots of mention of various competitors, the DJs, the music, the crew and judges...... but I am yet to see a single post praising the venue. Sure one or two comments have been made about the viewing obstructions being removed, about a somewhat better choice of food, but that's hardly singing it's praises.

The fact that you still get people going is because they don't have a choice, or don't know any better. After all, if your typical ceroc'er dances once a week only at a ceroc venue, have they even heard of Blackpool or Brighton ? I don't know many Ceroc venues that advirtise other ceroc franchise's events, let alone rival competitors ?

To emphasise once again, I am not having a go at the Ceroc competition. By all accounts it was a cracking event. My beef is with the venue and how it is consistently the biggest let down year after year.

[Carla B]

Rob C,

Your posting is very arrogant. I have heard of Brighton and Blackpool, but I choose to go to Hammersmith, I therefore resent being told I don't know any better.

The event is about so much more than the venue. If dancing were about super high tech venues, then I doubt there would be a dance scene. I don't know where you go dancing, but certainly the venues in London are far from clean, trendy and plush.

The event was amazing and I'm still on a high and truly inspired.

Why is it some people on this Forum get so upset when other people have had a great time?

[Bill]

Much of the criticism of the venue is justified but to be fair there isn't much the organisers can do about the size and shape of it.

I don't like the venue much but I'm glad I went this year :rolleyes: :na: . The gents toilet downstairs had one hand dryer working and at least twice I saw one of the staff in there checking on cleanliness/ toilet rolls etc... and the the place was reasonably clean.

I think they did as good a job as they could but what is worrying is the number of people who seem to have been 'misplaced' and why on earth the results posted upstairs differed from those read out by Mike. I'd have been furious if my number was on the board but then was not read out at the start of the heat.

Mike did the same thing a few years ago when there was a mistake over the number for the Double Trouble final and he refused to listen to John Sweeney who was trying to explain that the number he had read out was wrong.

People pay a great deal of money to enter and the least they can expect is for the organisers to get the numebrs right. :angry:

It's a pity that happended becasue I thought the timing was spot on, the performances were superb and with fewer people it felt better than the last few years. But I don't want to upstairs again, even to check results - it felt like a sauna up there :sick:

Will I go back again ......... not sure but at least I felt some effort was made to take on board some of the concerns of dancers but they must get the right numbers for each round.

[Barry Shnikov]

Originally posted by RobC
Of all the glowing praise in this thread, there's lots of mention of various competitors, the DJs, the music, the crew and judges...... but I am yet to see a single post praising the venue.

Sorry, using 'Hammersmith' was a metonym - thought it would be obvious.

[Andy McGregor]

Originally posted by Carla B
Rob C,

Your posting is very arrogant. I have heard of Brighton and Blackpool, but I choose to go to Hammersmith, I therefore resent being told I don't know any better.

The event is about so much more than the venue. If dancing were about super high tech venues, then I doubt there would be a dance scene. I don't know where you go dancing, but certainly the venues in London are far from clean, trendy and plush.

The event was amazing and I'm still on a high and truly inspired.

Why is it some people on this Forum get so upset when other people have had a great time?

Wow, hypocrisy rules. RobC is one of the least arrogant Guys I know. I would say he is almost humble. CarlaB contradicts herself with almost every word she types. If she hasn't been to Brighton or Blackpool she actually doesn't know better. How could she know what the other 2 events are like? As she says, she's never been.

N.B. For those Forumites that don't know the history. Carla B's first posting on the Forum was an arrogant and poorly informed tirade against Hipsters which she claimed was based on a 20 minute visit! I can't direct you to CarlaB's posts because it seems that 7 of her 11 posts (to date) have been removed. I've no idea why Franck has done that but I can't find her vitriolic anti-Hipsters posts anywhere:confused:

From memory, Carla B made it very clear that she didn't think much of Hipters or anyone who went to Hipsters and referred to us as unfriendly and, I think, claimed the teaching and music weren't much cop either.

CarlaB has consistently and blindly defended Ceroc to such an extent I'm starting to wonder if she's got shares in the company:confused:

The other thing that CarlaB has done is to remain anonymous. Why is that when just about everyone in the dance world is friendly? I can't think of anyone else on the forum who isn't prepared to reveal their identity. Some people might play a 'Guess Who' game when they first join the forum but only Carla B has consistenly failed to take one step forward. Her claim was that she didn't want to be identified by such an unfriendly bunch as us forumites:tears: If she really doesn't like us I wonder why she's come back to further insult our friend RobC when he's making a rational addition to the debate?

Come on CarlaB, fess up. What is your agenda?

[Mary]

Bit late in the day, but thought it was time I posted. Had a fab day on Sunday. Still think the venue is the pits, but was very impressed by the efforts that had gone into making it a bit more palatable. The loos I was using were pretty clean, and OK loo paper isn't the best thing to dry your hands on, at least it was always there.

I won't go into details but I thought most of the issues that had been raised about the venue had been addressed in one way or another, so thanks to all those people who made it so, and I thought the main dance floor area was a lot better than last year, and I could see which way round to put my knickers on!!!! (old thread).

Andy mate, sorry we didn't get any further. I know I nagged you. Bill, you was brill. But having to stay on the floor from DT straight into Old Gits was a bit unfair. Maybe you should warm up with a London marathon beforehand!! Hmmm, how to keep so many ladies happy in one day:wink:

Have to say I thought the standard of competitors this year was awesome. It just seems to get better each year, which is why maybe the admin side should be looked at little more carefully - it would appear that anomalies are not uncommon. I think sorting this area should now be a priority as it looks like competitions are here to stay, and an 'admin. error' can mean a lot of heartache for people who have worked very hard.

Erick - great job mate - apart from............... that bl00dy Boogie Woogie thingy. Wouldn't normally mind but a serious disadvantage to a knackered partner who had to carry on giving it his all straight after Double Trouble - thanks!!!! How to play a varied set to keep everyone happy for 12 hours or more in one go - now that's a tall order! Respect.:worthy:

Too tired to go on. Wish we could have made that party Franck and co. But, work the next day etc. When do I see all you guys again???

Great to see everyone - even tho' it was dark.:D

Would love to post about all the people already mentioned but it's all been said already.

M

[Gordon J Pownall]

Yeah OK guys (and gals)

If I'm not mistaken, is there not a thread labelled


TAKE IT OUTSIDE!!!!!!


Sorry and all that but I visit the forum to get feedback on events, atmosphere and what's goin gon with the 'scene' - not vitriolic point scoring...

Objectivity eh ???

Observations are welcome - criticism reveals so much about you to others....(Georges Philips PhD, 2001)

[Gus]

Originally posted by Gordon J Pownall
Sorry and all that but I visit the forum to get feedback on events, atmosphere and what's goin gon with the 'scene' - not vitriolic point scoring...

Observations are welcome - criticism reveals so much about you to others....(Georges Philips PhD, 2001)

And who is to say what is objective and what is subjective??? You are fully entitled to your view about the Forum being for feedback .... but Forums are traditionally a place for debate ... sometimes heated ... but that is what makes this Forum such an invaluable resource.

There ARE those with axes to grind ... there are the 'Ceroc Fundamentalists' who thin the sun shines out of the collective Ceroc (trademark) butt, and there are the 'Ceroc Must Die' Camp. Each will obviously view things differently, but (within reason) they have views to be heard. What drives me nutts are the self-appreciation cycles that get going ... but hey, its harming no one so I stay out of it.

If people genuinely believe the views that they express, then they have a right to express them. You like to quote George Philips (WHO?) .. how about Voltaire ..(paraphrase) 'I detest your views, but am prepared to die for your right to express them" Touché ? :wink:

[Andy McGregor]

:yeah:

Originally posted by Gordon J Pownall
Observations are welcome - criticism reveals so much about you to others....(Georges Philips PhD, 2001)

Gus took the words right out of my mouth. He is still the worthy holder of the ODA crown:worthy:

Isn't it ironic when somone writes a criticism and then quotes the above message.

Well "Gordy Baby", you've revealed something of yourself to quite a few others. But we won't hold it against you. In fact, I have a quote for you too.

"Who loves ya baby?" - Kojak

[Andy McGregor]

For some reason the above post was posted twice. So I've edited this one and hastily thought up another one...

..er

...um

....maybe not that hasty:blush:

Hey, did everyone see that 'Tongue in Cheek' posting by Zuhal? Respect:worthy:

Ah yes, back to the plot. Gordy seems to think that the Forum is here to provide him with useful feedback - but only if it's nice.

Well Gordy, I absolutely loved the Urban Metro Cabaret. It was new, fresh, the costumes were fab, the music was well chosen, it was well practiced, the crowd loved it, I loved it, ...

That's nice feedback (a bit gushy, but nice) and it's also relevant as Gordy was in the gang. But he knew all of that and if that was the type of feedback everyone gave nobody would change a thing because nothing would ever be wrong with anything.

We all love dancing and many of us (including Gus, although he's fighting it) love competitions. We'd all like to see things get even better so we point out areas that we think could be improved. EricLondon has used this feedback to improve an already fantastic product. Businesses pay thousand for this kind of feedback about their products and often wait weeks for the report - and you can get it all for free and you can usually get it the next day right here on the Forum:waycool:

[cerocmetro]

This now seems like the perfect time to mention,

I still have a few copies of the JiveMasters 2003 video available if anyone would like one.

Adam

"Respect"

[RobC]

Originally posted by Carla B
Your posting is very arrogant. I have heard of Brighton and Blackpool, but I choose to go to Hammersmith, I therefore resent being told I don't know any better.

The event is about so much more than the venue. If dancing were about super high tech venues, then I doubt there would be a dance scene. I don't know where you go dancing, but certainly the venues in London are far from clean, trendy and plush.

The event was amazing and I'm still on a high and truly inspired.

Why is it some people on this Forum get so upset when other people have had a great time?
Carla,
I'm not going to repeat the comments already made by AndyMcG, but to clarify my position -

I AM NOT HAVING A GO AT THE EVENT - JUST THE VENUE

I am a long term competitor, having been competing on the Jive scene since 1997 and before that on the Ballroom circuit, and can proudly claim to have been to all Blackpool and Brighton competitions since they started. I have not yet made it to a Bristol comp (which is why I didn't include it in my previous post), but hope to rectify that this year. I have also been to many competitions at the Hammersmith Palais, both run by LeJive and Ceroc, so I am more than qualified to comment on the venues used by the competitions, which by your own admission, you are not.

I'm sure that the event was amazing, and if you are still on a high now, I suggest that you do yourself a favour and visit one of the other competitions sometime and see just what a difference a decent venue can make to the overall day. You'll not just be on a 3-day high, more like a 3-week high.

[TheTramp]

Originally posted by RobC
I AM NOT HAVING A GO AT THE EVENT - JUST THE VENUEWhee. I'm going to defend Carla :na:

Have to say Rob, that your views are valid, and I do totally agree with them. But, you have said them several times, and it has to be said that Ceroc have already noted them (along with all the other people who have said the same thing) publically, acknowledged that it's not the greatest venue, and have stated their intention to find a new one for next year if they can.

Maybe you should give the venue bashing a rest for the moment - at least until the venue for next years competition is announced :D If you're not careful, you'll be as well known for your dislike of Hammersmith Palais as I am for my dislike of a certain Mavericks track.

Trampy

[ChrisA]

Originally posted by Andy McGregor
Come on CarlaB, fess up. What is your agenda? ..........:yeah:

I'm with Andy on this one. I remember CarlaB's postings from a few months ago, making a brief entrance just to have a go at something and then flouncing out...

... and here we go again.

This thread has got a terrific balance of criticism and applause - pretty much the only things that have been completely panned are the venue and the admin errors (the latter much more serious a problem IMHO) but lots of people, myself included, have said how much they enjoyed the day, as well as raising perfectly valid comments that can only help the process of making the event better and better.

And Ok, maybe Rob is like a dog with a bone about the Palais, as Trampy says, but lots of us have subjects that we find a little hard to leave alone sometimes :blush: And we stay around long enough to take the brickbats when we overstep the mark.

But there's a brittleness about the way CarlaB only ever comes here to have a go at people which I for one find quite unpleasant.

Chris

[TheTramp]

Originally posted by ChrisA
But there's a brittleness about the way CarlaB only ever comes here to have a go at people which I for one find quite unpleasant. Oh. Totally agree. Which is why you'll find the :na: at the end of my statement about defending Carla.

I guess I was really defending Ceroc over Rob's comments on the venue. I'm sure that someone defends the Mavericks too. However implausible that may seem!! :rolleyes:

Trampy

[ChrisA]

Originally posted by TheTramp
I'm sure that someone defends the Mavericks too. However implausible that may seem!! :rolleyes:
Hey, that would be me :rofl:

I really liked it the first ten million times I heard it.... :whistle:

[ericklondon]

Adam....

You are starting to sound like Nicky Haslam with your video from last year....

:sick: :rofl:

Erick

[TheTramp]

Originally posted by ericklondon
You are starting to sound like Nicky Haslam with your video from last year.... He's been taking lessons off Nicky.

Allegedly :rolleyes:

Trampy

[Carla B]

Andy McGregor you and I both know my reasons why I have no desire to meet up with people and declare myself. You will recall the many private email exchanges that you and I had where we both explained our background in more detail. You yourself have experienced physical abuse from an individual, the same individual who didn't like a posting I made I would have there thought that you of all people would understand.

You do seem acutely paranoid Andy, you treat anyone who likes Ceroc with suspicion and derision, and you were very quick to change the sentiment of your postings yesterday once you realised that the general mood was a positive one.

I was making what I thought was a valid point yesterday and that was the Palais is not an ideal venue, but then again neither are most of the venues that I dance in London.

I returned to the Forum after many months hoping that the bigotry of one or two individuals had changed - I was wrong.

I regularly go to Ceroc in London as do hundreds of other people is it really therefore so difficult for you to accept that people enjoy Ceroc and are therefore quite happy to defend it.

The last time I made several postings, I received about 20 private messages from people agreeing with me, but stated that they couldn't face the back-lash of admitting it on the forum.

This will be my last posting.

C

[Martin]

Personally I had a great day.

A lot of effort goes into these days and Mike did a great job as a compare.

The music was excellent.

Most of the day ran on time, which in itself is very difficult to achieve.

It was great to meet up with so many people and I had lots of fun doing the double trouble.

Big thanks to the Ceroc crew.:worthy:

[Dreadful Scathe]

Originally posted by Carla B
The last time I made several postings, I received about 20 private messages from people agreeing with me, but stated that they couldn't face the back-lash of admitting it on the forum.


Dont know what postings you're referring to, but if 20 people agree they should post their comments they'd certainly be in the majority - so exactly what kind of backlash would they expect to get. This forum is a pretty friendly place and there are many sides to every point, arrogance and nastiness is quickly spotted and pointed out to the perpetrator, you'll always find someone in here to defend the right for you to state your point of view, wether some think its nonsense or not :).

I think you come across as overly agressive in your posts, but maybe thats just me :).


Originally posted by Carla B
This will be my last posting.

No one will ever see your opinion again if that is the case ! Thats up to you.

[ChrisA]

Originally posted by Carla B
...Andy, you treat anyone who likes Ceroc with suspicion and derision,
What utter rubbish. Practically every single person on this forum likes Ceroc, and anyone who can't see that is being incredibly selective about what they read.

Even Rob, who's been probably the grouchiest about the Palais as a venue, is a teacher at a venue that was until recently an independent MJ org, but is now part of Ceroc.

Has it not occurred to you that we only criticise what we actually value? Because we want it to be even better. Because when it isn't as good as it can be, it hurts us because we associate with it, precisely because we value it?


and you were very quick to change the sentiment of your postings yesterday once you realised that the general mood was a positive one.Sure. To his credit. Some people are big enough to revise their opinions in the light of experience. :cheers:

I regularly go to Ceroc in London as do hundreds of other people is it really therefore so difficult for you to accept that people enjoy Ceroc and are therefore quite happy to defend it.
Yep, and as do most of the people on this forum. As do most of the people criticising it.

Defending something isn't about saying everything about it is wonderful.

It's about preserving it, enhancing it, and telling the truth about it.



This will be my last posting.

Flounce, flounce.

Chris

[Gadget]

Carla opened her post with a quote and commented on it. She expressed a personal view on the previous posting by Rob. Perfectly fair: His initial post had the general feel that he was diss'ing the competition as a whole rather than just the venue.
She was expressing her opinion, not dictating that it should be everyone's. IMHO it is Andy who wears the 'bad boy' cap in this thread for intentionally stirring and questioning motives behind a personal opinion - the comments were directed to Rob, who later responded and clarified his position. Case closed.

As to only posting on subjects that you disagree with - well, doh! You only have something to say if you disagree or feel that you have something to add to the conversation. Perhaps there has been nothing to add to the conversation so far. Perhaps the competition inspired her to join back in with this (normally) welcoming community. When she does, there are dozens of posts with negative comments. Of course you are going to say something; especially to someone who is giving negatives with no positives and wasn't even there!

Now I wasn't there. But I think that it's the people that make the event. You could hire a warehouse, a dozen hot-air blowers, a burger van, a sound system, portaloos and a floor - if the same people turned up, danced to the same tunes, it would get the same buzz. We all do this because of the dancing and who we dance with; not the venue. If there are negatives said about this minor, almost negligible part of the event, then this must be the only thing to complain about - the rest must have been spot-on. :waycool:

[Andy McGregor]

I've just had a PM about my negative comparison between this years Champs and the previous ones. In case anyone gets the impression I think it was all bad here is the relevant part of my response.

My comment about this years competition not being as well run as the others is, I think, true. The actual competition bit of the championship was better run last year and in previous years. In other years the timing was spot on and it was much easier for competitors to find out what was going on - and we didn't have to wait hours for our results - I know one Lucky Dip Semi-finalist spent at least an hour practicing, missing meals, rest, etc only to find out that they hadn't been promoted. Everything else about this years Champs was better - except maybe the toilets:sick:

Speaking personally, I'd still go if the Ceroc Champs returned to the Palais. I think people will have learnt from their mistakes and the event could be even better than this years. I would prefer a better venue - but if it was a choice of that or nothing then I'll see you next May at the Palais:grin:

[Will]

Just thought I'd take this opportunity to come out of forum retirement and say what a fantastic day I had at the Ceroc Champs on Sunday. Would like to extend my thanks to everyone involved in setting it up, and for all their hard work.

Will

[ericklondon]

Oh my God...
It's all happening today hey ?
I'm not getting involved...

Erick :grin:

[Andy McGregor]

Originally posted by ericklondon
Oh my God...
It's all happening today hey ?
I'm not getting involved...

Erick :grin:

Oh! I see!! You're THAT kind of 'Chief Troublemaker':really:

You spend the best part of a day playing FAB music and getting us all worked up, then you join in with a heated debate and even seem reasonable[outrarage.smiley]. And then when the fight is in full flight and you can hear the police sirens making their way through the village you slope off and hid behind the bushes in the nosy neighbours front garden to see who gets carted off in a Black Mariah and who makes a trip in the Ambulance.

The DRAMA of it all....

[Andy McGregor]

And now there's squirrels in the hollow tree too:tears:

[Bardsey]

Originally posted by Andy McGregor
And now there's squirrels in the hollow tree too:tears:

Andy be a pal and tell me how I can open that squirrel thingy. I can hear it but I can't get the pic up!

Jill x

[Boomer]

OK, where still inside...for the moment :rolleyes: RE: Gadgets previous post :yeah: For what its worth, I also found RobC's comment that 'they probably don't know any better' mildly insulting. I ignored it because I chose to assume that it was a case of poor communication, not a dig. Carla didn't, so addressed it. It seemed that between them they had cleared it up. I have to admit, when I read Andy's post I was, and am, thinking 'what the f...’ Carla took umbrage to something RobC said, all of a sudden there is a posting about hidden-agenda's, conspiracies, aliens in The White House, Reds-under-the-Bed, smurfeys in the bushes etc.

If someone says something that we disagree with, then question/debate what has been said, fair enough, as Carla said "your posting is very arrogant". But to take it to them personally, is IMHO unfair. To demand that they reveal who they are, and to regurgitate history because you disagree with them, or the nature of previous posts? In a split second she has been made to feel unwelcome, it seems to me, on a personal level. Funny thing is Andy, I thought that you of all people would have been the first to empathise with this sort of behaviour.

P.S I quite liked the venue, as clubs go it wasn't too bad (and I've been to a few night-clubs :grin: ) And for me, £25 for a whole days entertainment was good value, even if the admin was insane :grin:
P.P.S Andy, haven't posted the 'Dashing McGregster' pic yet, coz I can't get photoshop to work...when I load the pic it says "FATAL ERROR - DUMPING PIC!" Sorry mate :sad:

[Boomer]

Originally posted by Bardsey
Andy be a pal and tell me how I can open that squirrel thingy. I can hear it but I can't get the pic up!

Jill x

There's a pic! We didn't get that at Hammersmith! £25 and not a single squirrel, dman I demand a refund!

[RobC]

Originally posted by ChrisA
And Ok, maybe Rob is like a dog with a bone about the Palais, as Trampy says, but lots of us have subjects that we find a little hard to leave alone sometimes :blush: And we stay around long enough to take the brickbats when we overstep the mark.
Fair cop - I'll drop the bone for now..... at least until the venue for next year is announced. :wink:


Even Rob, who's been probably the grouchiest about the Palais as a venue, is a teacher at a venue that was until recently an independent MJ org, but is now part of Ceroc.

Has it not occurred to you that we only criticise what we actually value? Because we want it to be even better. Because when it isn't as good as it can be, it hurts us because we associate with it, precisely because we value it?

:yeah: Coming from an independant background into the Ceroc 'family' my interest is in promoting and improving Modern Jive as a whole, which I don't see as contradictory to promoting Ceroc as one benefits from the other.

The english as a nation, are notoriously bad at suffering in silence, not speaking out to complain when something isn't up to standard. And as such, nothing can be done to improve things if the people responsible aren't made aware of your suffering. After all, how many people on the forum use the delights of our public transport system ? Paying extortionate amounts of money to be crammed into small spaces at rush hour, usually having to stand for the entire duration of our journey home each day ? And how many people complain, and what gets done about it ?

If my repetitive 'venue bashing' gets heard and taken note of by the relevant people, and maybe even encourages others to also speak out, then hopefully we are one step down the path to change for the better.

(OK, last tug at the bone) - Adam managed to find a different venue for the Jive Masters final last year. I know the number of competitors was on a different scale, but I'm sure the the number of spectators must have been equivalent. Perhaps Ceroc HQ could investigate that as a potential venue ?

[Lounge Lizard]

Well I hope carlab stays involved with the forum, nothing wrong with controversial posts.......I have even posted one or two myself:whistle: :whistle:

Venue...If you go somewhere and you think I wont like this place, then you probably wont like it

There was a lot of negative talk about it before the event based on last year.
I think this year was fine
Ignore the human factor (management errors, loudness etc)
The venue provided
Elevated veiwing all around so it WAS possible to watch the competition with ease
One of the best sound systems at a modern jive venue ANYWHERE...if only Camber, Bognor Blackpool or Britroc could match that sound system.
Great lighting set up - just press the RIGHT buttons next time
Plenty of bars, no delay in getting a drink
Food was good and fairly fast moving
Dance floor (well I thought it was ok)
Toilets, have seen worse, could have been better but not as bad as portrayed IMHO
Smoking...WHY allow it, Ceroc managed to get the venue sorted on most things so WHY NOT NON SMOKING
we are dancers PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE NO SMOKING IN THE VENUE :angry:

If the numbers had been very high (as last year) then overcrowded the venue would be a nightmare, but with simmilar numbers as 2004, I have no complaints about it.

A lot has been praised about Britroc (which was very well run) but had much lower numbers,
I only know about 5 non competitors that went to watch Britroc, so the comparrison between Ceroc and Britroc does not really work - IMO
Also
if Britroc had the same numbers attending at HoveTown hall as the ceroc champs, they may encounter a number of problems and complaints.

Highlights of the champs...
One of the best bits to me was the compare/hostess....now as a DJ it is great watching the dancers 'miss' the break in a track....the gotcha factor.
But
When the compare thinks the music break is the end of the track and starts talking through it...magic...when she does it twice priceless:wink:

What are your highlights?
peter

[ChrisA]

Originally posted by Boomer
all of a sudden there is a posting about hidden-agenda's, conspiracies, aliens in The White House, Reds-under-the-Bed, smurfeys in the bushes etc.
You've got a point Boomster, and I just wish Carla would stick around long enough for us to get to know her a bit better, maybe even dance with her... :what: :really: :flower: :flower: :flower:

But the thing is, she only drops in when she wants to have a right go about something. And then stomps off again making it abundantly clear that she doesn't want to actually run the risk of having anything to do with any of us at all.

It doesn't generate much in the way of a warm fuzzy feeling, you must agree.

I mean, take for example, the delectable Zebra Woman :drool: The first time she appeared on my forum radar was when she said that guys wearing sleeveless tops were akin to the stinkers of which we wax lyrical from time to time.

Once I picked myself off the floor I could have got the right hump about that - and if she had just vanished off the scene I would have been left with a completely false impression of her.

Whereas she sticks around and talks to us !! And I've now had the pleasure of several dances with her, and she's discovered that in wearing tops with no sleeves, I'm not in fact, the spawn of Satan (despite what Will calls me :D ), and I've discovered how nice she is :flower:

I think those of us that react negatively to what Carla posts about, do so in the context of the "stomp in, make some aggressive sniffy comment about something, stomp out again" manner, which is not conducive to a pleasant time.

Chris

[TheTramp]

Originally posted by Lounge Lizard
One of the best bits to me was the compare/hostess....now as a DJ it is great watching the dancers 'miss' the break in a track....the gotcha factor.
But
When the compare thinks the music break is the end of the track and starts talking through it...magic...when she does it twice priceless:wink: I thought that it was 3 times...

Once in "Moondance", Once in "Do you love me?", and once in one of the team cabarets??

Trampy

[ericklondon]

RobC,

For your information....
The venue used by Adam would be totally unsuitable for the champs as we need changing rooms, cloakrooms, catering facillities and so forth.... plus it's at the back of beyond in nasty Walthamstow...

Further more :

In the last 5 years the attendance at the Champs has been between 1110 and 1283 people and Adam most likely reached 800 at the most even if he likes to claim otherwise.
I know what you are thinking... limit ticket sales blah blah... anyway, it's a nasty venue.

( Bring it on Adam... I'm at home :wink: )

As regards to Andy's comments about getting involved...:
Thanks for your comments about the music :grin: but I am not prepared to get involved in all this moaning about the venue and who is to blame for god knows what... plus I feel that some people have some kind of grudge against Ceroc which almost falls into anger. I hate that....

And personally since it looks like some people have lots of time on their hand to write on this forum, may be they would like to use all their time, energy and anger on things that really matters in life.... I would be more than happy to provide you with a list...


Ceroc is about having fun, about meeting new people and enjoying yourself.
25,30,40,50 squids for a whole day out in London is a bargain, you dance, you compete, you have fun and some of you might even get a shag out of it !! so hey Presto....
We are doing something good for your social life !!

Personally, I'm one for fun, in my last 8 years of working at Ceroc and djing, I have met some fantastic people, happy people !!
I guess it's hard to please everyone.

Before I go, just wanted to say a BIG thank you to everyone for your great comments about the music - that includes Andy -, also thank you for every one who took the time to come up to see me and introduce themselves.

Have a nice day everyone

Erick

[ericklondon]

Poor Val.....

She only did it twice and ONLY because someone, who will remain nameless was rabitting on about nothing in her ears !!

Erick

[ChrisA]

Originally posted by Lounge Lizard
When the compere thinks the music break is the end of the track and starts talking through it...magic...when she does it twice priceless:wink:

Say one more word against Val :drool: , Peter and Trampy, and I'll have to ask you to step outside :angry:

It was pretty priceless though. Hope it didn't put the competitors off...

... how absolutely mortified must she have felt?? :tears:

Chris, founder member of the Val Forsey fan club :flower: :drool:

[thewacko]

Originally posted by Dan Hudson
Well what can I say..... My favourite Champs yet!!

Phil and Tazmainan Devil.. those outfits:yum:

Also congrats to all the winners etc etc.....

what can I say - the tickets said "dress optional"

THE TAZMANIAN DEVIL & THE WACKO STRIKE AGAIN

[ericklondon]

Chris,

I felt so sorry for her !!
But we just ended up laughing about it in the end, but poor Val.... her face was a classic though !!

Erick

[Andy McGregor]

Originally posted by ChrisA
You've got a point Boomster, and I just wish Carla would stick around long enough for us to get to know her a bit better, maybe even dance with her... :what: :really: :flower: :flower: :flower:

-snip-

I think those of us that react negatively to what Carla posts about, do so in the context of the "stomp in, make some aggressive sniffy comment about something, stomp out again" manner, which is not conducive to a pleasant time.

Chris

Hey Chris, are we getting soft? We're agreeing whether we like it or not:flower:

I would love to get to know CarlaB better so that I can undestand her viewpoint. We've probably danced with her, she's meeting some of us on a regular basis (although we don't know it) but she can't bear to let us know who she is on here - which still strikes me as strange. She says she won't reveal who she is because we're so nasty to her although I think we're just suspicious. So there we have it, the classic Catch 22, Carla won't say who she is because we're not nice to her and we're not nice to her because she won't say who she is. The whole thing saddens me and I don't think I'll post on the CarlaB subject any more:tears:


So, how are we going to catch these squirrels, I haven't even seen one yet:confused:

[Boomer]

Originally posted by ChrisA
...Chris
I agree, I know from experience that 1st impressions can be a nightmare to deal with...believe it or not sometimes I give a really bad 1st impression :what: Yep, some of Carla's postings have been a bit...brittle I think you said. it just seemd to me that an issue was raised, and (unless I'm mistaken) subsequently dealt with by the two parties when a third-party chimed-inwith what amounted to 'fight-fight-fight'. Rather than deal with Carla's immediate post, which didn't strike me as being especially fiery, she was slapped in the mush over something that had happened x years ago.

anyway, I liked the music, if I'd been dancing I would have loved the volume, and I had a really good time :grin:

P.S chris, you can also think yourself lucky that photoshop isn't working, got a lovely one of you in a long-sleeved shirt that glittered! :grin:

[ChrisA]

Originally posted by Boomer
P.S chris, you can also think yourself lucky that photoshop isn't working, got a lovely one of you in a long-sleeved shirt that glittered! :grin:
No you haven't, you muppet :devil:

It was short-sleeved. :rofl:

[Boomer]

Originally posted by ChrisA
No you haven't, you muppet :devil:

It was short-sleeved. :rofl:
Considering you normally wear singlets, it was long sleeved. Pammy, would you be so kind. Chris in that top was worth £25 alone :grin:

[Pammy]

Originally posted by Boomer
Considering you normally wear singlets, it was long sleeved. Pammy, would you be so kind. Chris in that top was worth £25 alone :grin:

Ah, just read this after posting, didn't realise I was starting a feud.

Oh well, marriage is full of ups and downs I guess :rolleyes: :wink:

[ChrisA]

Originally posted by Pammy
Oh well, marriage is full of ups and downs I guess :rolleyes: :wink:
Pammy, bad girl :D

(yeah, baby, yeah :wink: )

[Sheepman]

Originally posted by Bardsey
Andy be a pal and tell me how I can open that squirrel thingy. I can hear it but I can't get the pic up!

Jill x Your eyes aren't deceiving you, there ain't no pic darling, it's just an mp3 audio clip!

On the subject of CarlaB's posts, I'm with ChrisA on this. It's not a matter of how tactless you can be on here, if that was the case, then nothing interesting would ever be happening here! But if she really wants acceptance, and the sort of luvviness that happens on these pages, she must be prepared to justify herself, and not just run away at the slightest provocation. I may not agree with Andy's "attack" on her, but I can see his reasons for doing so, unless she really is the shy, timid, retiring type (it certainly doesn't look that way from her few posts!) then I can't see her reasons for not becoming part of this "community".

Greg

[Boomer]

Originally posted by Sheepman
... On the subject of CarlaB's posts, I'm with ChrisA on this. It's not a matter of how tactless you can be on here, if that was the case, then nothing interesting would ever be happening here! But if she really wants acceptance, and the sort of luvviness that happens on these pages, she must be prepared to justify herself, and not just run away at the slightest provocation. I may not agree with Andy's "attack" on her, but I can see his reasons for doing so, unless she really is the shy, timid, retiring type (it certainly doesn't look that way from her few posts!) then I can't see her reasons for not becoming part of this "community".

Greg
Tactlessness, one of the pillars on which MJ stands :grin: Absolutely, a lack of tact can, and does, liven things up. However, her reasons for remaining anonymous are up to her. I don't believe anyone has the right to demand that someone reveal themselves. I also disagree that she should have to justify herself - expand on, or explain her opinion yes, justify anything, no. I can't remember her 'history', but on this thread she explained her position.

[Fran]

Originally posted by Boomer
I don't believe anyone has the right to demand that someone reveal themselves. .

I was flashed at once while I was an art student - he wore white ladies under wear while he was perfoming:what:

im truly not demeaning the debate in away. - sorry, just trying to lighten the moment. -

[Boomer]

Originally posted by Fran
... he wore white ladies under wear while he was perfoming:what: ...
Oh Andy does that all the time :grin: Sorry, couldn't help it :tears:

[Fran]

Originally posted by Boomer
Oh Andy does that all the time :grin: Sorry, couldn't help it :tears:

:rofl: well thankfully he wont be getting arrested over his performance. - and naturally Andy wears them with more style :waycool:


:wink:

[Pammy]

Originally posted by Boomer
Oh Andy does that all the time :grin: Sorry, couldn't help it :tears:

You leave Andy out of it, he touched my knee first remember!

Isn't that right Fran? :wink: :rofl:

[Boomer]

Originally posted by Pammy
You leave Andy out of it, he touched my knee first remember!

...
Yes love, but he stripped for me! :grin: :nice: :what: :sad: :sick: :tears:

[Graham W]

...few pointz..

yes the venue was poor, like a 3rd div footie ground, but we saw the Man Utd of dancing - the first semi & final of the Open were as exhil. as the Blackpool final to watch!! & i thought the move which DB seemed to flip Lily over his head using his neck was even mooooore wow then the one discussed above...
Adam & Tas showcase - brill -

G

..Easter Bunny - u were fab at late notice to do the open & didnt bottle it, it was all good experience..

Numpty action of the day award (just having a laff) - joint first goes to the girl who whisked away Will sword mid showcase when it was needed again & the lady who posted the much
wanted lucky dip results round 2 , near ground level - cheers, luv..

music was brill - I didnt c the dance floor empty, put it that way..

G

[Boomer]

Originally posted by Fran
...and naturally Andy wears them with more style :waycool:
:wink:
I think 'determination' is a better word, yes, "he wears them with more determination" :grin:

[Sheepman]

Originally posted by Boomer
I don't believe anyone has the right to demand that someone reveal themselves. Well I certainly didn't demand that! And I agree, that is up to her, though it certainly makes it easier to get on with someone after you have danced/met someone. (I hate to think what my impression of Andy would be, if it was just based on this forum!)

As for not justifying yourself, it sounds like you are saying it is fine to join in an argument, saying things that some will take personally, but it is fine if you don't justify your position at all?

Greg

[Andy McGregor]

Originally posted by Sheepman
(I hate to think what my impression of Andy would be, if it was just based on this forum!)


That's why I dance in loads of different venues and dance with so many different women. It's so people can get to know me in person - if they only had the Forum to go by they might start thinking I'm nice:devil:

[Boomer]

Originally posted by Sheepman
...As for not justifying yourself, it sounds like you are saying it is fine to join in an argument, saying things that some will take personally, but it is fine if you don't justify your position at all?
Greg
No, I was quite clear in what I said:

Originally posted by Boomer
... I also disagree that she should have to justify herself - expand on, or explain her opinion yes , justify anything, no...
If one posts an opinion, one should be prepared to expand on it, helps to make it credable, even if it remains disagreeable. She did clarify her position and her reasoning, as such I felt that that response was inappropriate.

No, you didn't demand that she reveal herself, sorry 'bout that :grin: Mistook understanding of an action for acquiescence of one.

[Bill]

Originally posted by Fran
I was flashed at once while I was an art student - he wore white ladies under wear while he was perfoming:what:



I'd just like to point out that it wasn't me ............ :rolleyes: :blush:

[Boomer]

Originally posted by Bill
I'd just like to point out that it wasn't me ............ :rolleyes: :blush:
Yes, but point with what?

[Bill]

Back on thread ....................:what: :na: ........ wonder if Erick would have played some of the more 'fun' tracks for the Open heats ....i.e. how would David & Lily, C & J, Will & Kate et al have reacted if they had Boogie Woogie Choo Choo train as their final track ????????


And that's NOT a criticism Erick. But I did think that the Open rounds had more varied and interesting tracks than some of the other comps on the day.

Can't remember what it was we danced to in the second round of the Advanced but I think it was pretty fast as well. I did begin to suspect that the only reason I was going through was because someone was hoping I'd die of a heart attack. Subtle way of Franck, Lorna and the others telling me I should retire :sick: :what:

I think the standard of dancing compensated for the 'problems' with the venue and I think apart from the obvious mistakes made with some competitors who were told they were then were not through to a round - which is a pretty major mistake - then the organisation was pretty good.

[Fran]

Originally posted by Bill
I'd just like to point out that it wasn't me ............ :rolleyes: :blush:


:rofl:
thankfully not.
:hug:

mind you was difficult to see his face he had a pair on tights on his head . - the white wouldnt have suited you anyway - although would have contrasted with all your long curly black hair. :whistle:

[Fran]

Originally posted by Bill
Can't remember what it was we danced to in the second round of the Advanced but I think it was pretty fast as well. I did begin to suspect that the only reason I was going through was because someone was hoping I'd die of a heart attack.


NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO ----------I'd revive you ...:devil:

[Sheepman]

Originally posted by Boomer
No, I was quite clear in what I said Semantics I know, but the Collins dictionary says:-

Explain - to justify or attempt to justify (oneself) by giving reasons for one's actions or words.
(Well Graham's still not about :wink: )
Greg

[Sheepman]

Originally posted by Bill
Can't remember what it was we danced to in the second round of the Advanced but I think it was pretty fast as well. I think it was Whinin' Boy Moan by Van the man, a great track, but only 136bpm, it certainly felt like it was much faster than that!

Greg

[Dan Hudson]

I thought it ws Tuxedo Junction by Jools Holland, but may be wrong.. I love that track me and denise had a fab dance to that!!!:cheers: :drool:

[Fran]

Originally posted by Sheepman
only 136bpm, it certainly felt like it was much faster than that!

Greg

ditto !!!!

so much for me saying to bill that the next round is bound to be a bit slower. :tears: :tears:

[Sheepman]

Originally posted by Dan Hudson
I thought it ws Tuxedo Junction by Jools Holland, Yes you are right, now I remember, another great track, and much faster, nowhere near as good as the Joe Jackson version though (IMO).

I know I did dance to Whinin' Boy Moan at sometime, it's all too much of a blur. :what:

Greg

[Boomer]

Originally posted by Sheepman
Semantics I know, but the Collins dictionary says:-

Explain - to justify or attempt to justify (oneself) by giving reasons for one's actions or words.
(Well Graham's still not about :wink: )
Greg
Oxford should do in the absense of Graham :grin:
1. trans. To administer justice to; to try as a judge, to judge; to have jurisdiction over, rule, control, keep in order; to do justice to, treat justly.

There is a power-dynamic in that word that does not sit easily with me, a sense of being 'prosecuted' that is not found in 'Explain'
"To make clear the cause, origin, or reason of; to account for."
Less semantics, more sensabilities.

Now, back to the raging discussion of 'What song was played?" I thought it was 'Toxic'?

[ericklondon]

It wasn't as fast as that....

Erick

[ericklondon]

Tuxedo Junction was in the Advanced semi Finals...

Erick

[Fran]

Originally posted by Boomer
Now, back to the raging discussion of 'What song was played?" I thought it was 'Toxic'?

was that not in the lucky dip round?

[ericklondon]

Toxic - a different mix... did anyone notice ? oh yes... one person Franck !! - was Lucky Dip Finals

Erick

[TheTramp]

Originally posted by Bill
And that's NOT a criticism Erick. But I did think that the Open rounds had more varied and interesting tracks than some of the other comps on the day.Actually, I think the track we got in the semi-final of the Open was horrendous. And I think that you'd have hated that one more Bill. Would have much prefered 'Toxic', which is what the other semi-final got. Or even Boogie Woogie Choo Choo Train. Still, just the luck of the draw. We wouldn't have got through anyhow. The couples in the final of the Open were all awesome.

Trampy

[DavidB]

Originally posted by Bill
how would David & Lily have reacted if they had Boogie Woogie Choo Choo train as their final track I'd be thinking "Is there anything that Clayton & Janine can't dance to!"

[ericklondon]

Steve,

Tracks were fine just because you didn't like them does not mean they were horrendous.

A bit like this guy came over and demanded I changed the tracks in the lucky dip cause they weren't suited to HIS type of dancing....

Go home mate ( not you Steve... the bozo who came up to ask the above) and while you're at it get your DNA re-adjusted...

as you may have noticed... I am in a mood

Erick

[Boomer]

Originally posted by ericklondon
Toxic - a different mix... did anyone notice ? oh yes... one person Franck !! - was Lucky Dip Finals
Erick
Be grateful, I didn't even know 'Toxic' was played in a final :what: I was just be silly :blush:

[ericklondon]

I'm ok boomer, I am being grateful...
I'm happy and I love you all !!

Sorry, have just had some idiot on the phone... and everyone on here had to suffer... I'm sorry

I'm happier now !!

I'm djing at Fulham Town Hall tomorrow night if anyone coming down

Erick

[Boomer]

Originally posted by ericklondon
I'm ok boomer, I am being grateful...
I'm happy and I love you all !!
Sorry, have just had some idiot on the phone... and everyone on here had to suffer... I'm sorry
I'm happier now !!

I wasn't having a go :tears: Didn't even know you were in a mood. Glad you're happy again. :nice:

[ChrisA]

Originally posted by ericklondon
I'm djing at Fulham Town Hall tomorrow night if anyone coming down

Ooh... that might just tempt me into town. And if you don't look too scary I might even come up and introduce myself :nice:

I'll see how knackered I am tomorrow...

Chris

[ericklondon]

I know you weren't :waycool:

Anyway, better get my act into gear I'm djing at Wessex House tonight, please come down everyone, it's opposite Clapham Junction train Station, the entrance looks liuke the door of a brothel but it's great inside !!

:cheers:

Erick

[ericklondon]

Hey Chris,

Would be nice to meet....
I don't look scary... I look cute:yum: ask the girls... and the boys !!

Erick
:grin:

[TheTramp]

Originally posted by ericklondon
Tracks were fine just because you didn't like them does not mean they were horrendous.I was obviously expressing my own PoV on the track. Anyhow, I told you on Sunday that it was awful :na:

I did also tell you that the rest of the music all day was great though :worthy: ..... And at least Dan didn't play anything involving the words "Tra-la-la" :D

Trampy

[ericklondon]

I know you did Steve.... I'm in a wind up mood !!
:rofl:

[Daisy]

Originally posted by DavidB
I'd be thinking "Is there anything that Clayton & Janine can't dance to!"


The British National Anthem?:sick: :whistle: :rofl:

Otherwise... NO ....!

[Lory]

Originally posted by ericklondon
I look cute:yum: ask the girls... and the boys !!


:grin:
Oh yes! He IS cute!:yum: :flower:

[ericklondon]

:grin: :wink:

Erick

[Minnie M]

Originally posted by DavidB
I'd be thinking "Is there anything that Clayton & Janine can't dance to!"

Come on now ELVIS :wink: your rock and roll is great :worthy: and not a lot of people know that :nice: (well maybe a couple or three who watched William & Mary)

Is there nothing you and Lily CAN'T dance to :really: (maybe not with the lifts and doughnuts of course:wink: )

[Minnie M]

BTW - I was pleasantly surprised how good the music was on the day especially Erick's set :worthy: INSPIRING

[bigdjiver]

To save all of the piecing together, perhaps we could have the playlist posted in the DJ section, with the names of the guest DJ's ?

[Katie]

A little late to be posting about the Comp but congratulations to a few people are nevertheless needed:

David and Lily - truely amazing, i couldn't keep my eyes off you in the final. I was standing next to Sherif (from Bristol) and we couldnt stop laughing (out of disbelief) after the doughnut move.

ChrisA and Jayne - well deserved - you danced brilliantly! :clap: Loved your sparkly shirt ChrisA.....:drool:

Ed and Helen - so proud of you! You were fantastic! :clap:

Andy and Greg - you looked great! Thought you should've been placed. Hope that is not the end of your partnership...who knows what we could see after some practice!

Overall the standard of the competition was so high, particularly the open final....it was breathtaking! So glad i stayed for the finals before going to casualty....

A few words about the venue: being able to take your belongings in was a huge improvement, there was much more space than last year and the quality of music had improved. On a bad note, i thought the toilets were disgusting, the lighting extremely poor - not just on some areas of the dancer floor but also around the stairs (which was where i had my accident) and i disliked the long waiting period for the results.

In relation to the comp format; i would prefer to have two tracks to dance to in all rounds - one slow, one fast (like Britroc) because i find that some moves that you practice are not appropriate to fast tracks, but maybe Ben and I should've put them in anyway (or maybe he just forgot to....:wink: . If Ceroc were to have two tracks (provided there was enough time - this i don't know) i would prefer to have one track allocated for the maximum 3 aerials and the other track not. Don't get me wrong, I loved watching the fabulous aerials but when you don't incorporate aerials into your dancing, then IMO you're at a disadvantage (i know that this has been discussed at great length before) Now, i feel under pressure to learn aerials in order to compete and i do resent this.

Anyway enough from me..... on a good note the competition was well worth going to!:clap:

Kate :flower:

[Barry Shnikov]

Originally posted by Andy McGregor
That's why I dance in loads of different venues and dance with so many different women. It's so people can get to know me in person - if they only had the Forum to go by they might start thinking I'm nice:devil:

You haven't asked me to dance yet...:(

[Yogi_Bear]

Originally posted by Barry Shnikov
I'm reliably informed that one of the moves was not featured at Camber (I was dancing on the blues floor at the time) and this was where David lifted Lily above his head , on her side; Lily then bent her legs behind her head and grasped her ankles, making herself into a 'circle'.
I remember thinking - 'you know what would be amazing, except it would be impossible, is if he just let her go and she dropped to the floor, encircling his body'...
...and then she did!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Of course, David spread his knees, giving her the 'soft' platform of his thighs to land on. I've no idea what happened for the next 30 seconds or so because that's how long it took me to recover my presence of mind.
It's the single most astonishing move I've seen any dancers, of any type, at any time, accomplish.
Bravo.
I can assure you that that move was NOT featured at Camber!

[Jive Brummie]

Originally posted by Boomer
Tactlessness, one of the pillars on which MJ stands :grin: Absolutely, a lack of tact can, and does, liven things up. However, her reasons for remaining anonymous are up to her. I don't believe anyone has the right to demand that someone reveal themselves. I also disagree that she should have to justify herself - expand on, or explain her opinion yes, justify anything, no. I can't remember her 'history', but on this thread she explained her position.

Funnily enough, I have to agree with this statement too. If Carla wants to moan about something or someone then it's entirely her option to do so. Without people like Carla, the forum might not be the colourful place it is. And with a bit of luck, she may even escape being branded a mental patient who suffers from NPD...:what:

By the way, from what I understand the celeb actress type was Terri Dwyer of Hollyoaks. She played 'Ruth'. Was a bit pants actually...however she did recently appear in the first series of The Games, (a celeb sports comp'), that she went onto win. She's one (physically) fit cookie!!

J x

[ericklondon]

To save all of the piecing together, perhaps we could have the playlist posted in the DJ section, with the names of the guest DJ's ?

You can certainly have the list of the competion tracks but as regards to whatever I or anyone else for that matter played during freestlye... Highly unlikely only because I never prepare - no point - and I can't remember....

I'd invited the following people to DJ at the Champs:

Dan Hudson - Ceroc Greenwich -
FunkySi - Ceroc Kent currently djing in Canterbury -
Tez and Robin - Ceroc Metro -
Roy - Ceroc Central -
And my favourite girl apart from Tash and Emma... Annette from Ceroc London.

They all did 2 half hour sets apart from Roy and Anette who did 1/2 an hour.

I did the rest.....

There you go....

Erick

[stewart38]

Originally posted by Pammy
Right, my comments for the day....




BBC - Utter farce. Really disappointed by that. Two cluts getting in the way. The man, a real idiot, tossing his jacket down in the way of the Intermediate competitors. Smacking his bum in some sort of "sex ride the pony" affair. Embarassing and shameful. Shouldn't have been allowed. There were enough amazing "real" dancers to make something worthwhile for the licence payers to view on tv. What those idiots was doing bore no relevance what-so-ever to Ceroc and in short, I think we were just a "back-drop" and that's about the long and short of it. Those two should've been filmed during a free-style session if it HAD to be done and not during the first heats of the Intermediates. :mad:




The two cluts were of the radio from XFM and had been promoting the champs on their radio station the day before
They had both had about 2 hrs of lessons before. The fact they saw 'ceroc' as ballroom type dancing on the radio station doesnt help and yes they were way over the top and belittled other dancers.They are giving feedback this saturday afternoon

I had a great time and got two rounds further this year re lucky dip ! It was a bit less crowded this year

[stewart38]

Originally posted by Carla B


I was making what I thought was a valid point yesterday and that was the Palais is not an ideal venue, but then again neither are most of the venues that I dance in London.

I returned to the Forum after many months hoping that the bigotry of one or two individuals had changed - I was wrong.

I regularly go to Ceroc in London as do hundreds of other people is it really therefore so difficult for you to accept that people enjoy Ceroc and are therefore quite happy to defend it.

The last time I made several postings, I received about 20 private messages from people agreeing with me, but stated that they couldn't face the back-lash of admitting it on the forum.


C

Totally agree overall Hammersmith was great and the fact someone has been dancing a short time (since 1997) doesnt make them right

[Pammy]

For those blissfully unaware, here are the spoofs in action...

[Bardsey]

Originally posted by Pammy
For those blissfully unaware, here are the spoofs in action...

We can always rely on you, Pamster. Have camera, will travel!!

[Bill]

Originally posted by Boomer
Yes, but point with what?


:sick: :wink:

[Bill]

Originally posted by Sheepman
I think it was Whinin' Boy Moan by Van the man, a great track, but only 136bpm, it certainly felt like it was much faster than that!

Greg

that might be the case but remember anything over 70 bpm is fast for me ...:sick: :D

[Sheepman]

Originally posted by Pammy
For those blissfully unaware, here are the spoofs in action... I didn't see any of the farce, but I bet they felt outshone by all the real stars who were there.

Greg

[Bill]

Originally posted by Fran
ditto !!!!

so much for me saying to bill that the next round is bound to be a bit slower. :tears: :tears:

well the third round was slower......... :tears:

[Bill]

Originally posted by DavidB
I'd be thinking "Is there anything that Clayton & Janine can't dance to!"


:D :rofl: ........... but bet you two would have coped as well. :worthy:

[Bill]

Originally posted by ericklondon
Steve,

as you may have noticed... I am in a mood

Erick

you in a mood.............surely not :what: :wink:

and you looked so happy at Hammersmith:D

[Chicklet]

Originally posted by Pammy
For those blissfully unaware, here are the spoofs in action...
OH my god he's got Franck's JIveMasters Suit!!!

[Fran]

Originally posted by Chicklet
OH my god he's got Franck's JIveMasters Suit!!!

:rofl: :rofl:

but would not look as good as Franck in Kilt!! :wink:

[Franck]

Originally posted by Chicklet
OH my god he's got Franck's JIveMasters Suit!!! Hey, I noticed that too, put me in the mood for a new white suit... maybe a White tail-coat tux... :waycool:
I liked the look of that one!

[Franck]

Originally posted by Fran
but would not look as good as Franck in Kilt!! :wink: and never as good as you in any of your 'wow' dresses :flower:

[Andy McGregor]

Originally posted by Franck
Hey, I noticed that too, put me in the mood for a new white suit... maybe a White tail-coat tux... :waycool:
I liked the look of that one!

And the bonus is that your partners legs enjoy a good whipping each time you spin:devil:

[Robin]

Originally posted by Andy McGregor
And the bonus is that your partners legs enjoy a good whipping each time you spin:devil:

Is that the mens equivalent of a ponytail in the face ?
;)

[foxylady]

Dancing at the jive bar last night, a chap was commenting on the champs and said
'weren't those gays great in the old gits competition!'

I thought I ought to pass the praise on !

[JamesGeary]

Hey so I didn't see Ben and Katie's dancing, but they got knocked out in round 1. That was surprising. What was with that? I gather they didn't practice, but did their dancing not come together on the day or were the judges incompetent?

[RobC]

Originally posted by Pammy
For those blissfully unaware, here are the spoofs in action...
Hmmm, I might be wrong, but the monkey in the white suit looks like the chap who is going to be hosting the daily BBC3 follow-up show for Strictly Come Dancing which starting broadcasting next wednesday.......

[Tiggerbabe]

Originally posted by Franck
Hey, I noticed that too, put me in the mood for a new white suit... maybe a White tail-coat tux... :waycool:
I liked the look of that one!
very nice Franck :drool: :drool: Are you getting the white top hat too? :wink:

[DavidB]

Originally posted by JamesGeary
Hey so I didn't see Ben and Katie's dancing, but they got knocked out in round 1. That was surprising. What was with that? I gather they didn't practice, but did their dancing not come together on the day or were the judges incompetent? I saw a bit of them in the first round, and they looked pretty good. But they were in the toughest heat.

A lot depends on what the judges were told to do. Was it select 10 from 20, or 2 from each heat + 2 others, or give everyone a score and pick the highest 10 scores? Someone did find out what method was used, but they explained it to me when the music was too loud to hear.

Selecting 10 from 20 across 4 heats is very hard. It would be nice to get everyone back on the floor at the same time for one song, and give the judges an overall look. (And not just for the Open, but every division when the numbers allow.)

It was also interesting that all the finalists were marked through from the same heat in the semis. I've never seen that before.

David

[Andy McGregor]

Originally posted by foxylady
Dancing at the jive bar last night, a chap was commenting on the champs and said
'weren't those gays great in the old gits competition!'

I thought I ought to pass the praise on !

Hey, I'll take my praise however it comes - thank you:flower:

[Barry Shnikov]

Originally posted by RobC
Hmmm, I might be wrong, but the monkey in the white suit looks like the chap who is going to be hosting the daily BBC3 follow-up show for Strictly Come Dancing which starting broadcasting next wednesday.......

That would make sense as the e-mails that came round beforehand concerning the presence of the BBC at the Champs mentioned that there was a tie-in with the new Come Dancing series.

Another classic falls prey to 'dumbing down'....:(

[Gordon J Pownall]

And my favourite girl apart from Tash and Emma... Annette from Ceroc London.



And I thought Sally (DJ Bunnie) was one of your favourite girls Erick???

[Sheepman]

Originally posted by JamesGeary
Hey so I didn't see Ben and Katie's dancing, but they got knocked out in round 1. That was surprising. What was with that? I gather they didn't practice, but did their dancing not come together on the day or were the judges incompetent? Their dancing was smooth, elegant, stylish, and very together . . .

Greg

[Katie]

Originally posted by Sheepman
Their dancing was smooth, elegant, stylish, and very together . . .

Greg

You're too kind....

Thanks sheepy :flower:

[stompin' phil]

[B]Their dancing was smooth, elegant, stylish, and very together . . .
Greg


I can only speak for Katie as i would have to ask Andy McGregor about Ben's dancing.


Last night Katie and i had a couple of warm up tracks before the night started at Stompin' Fridays in Brighton with Viktor and it was exactly as you mentioned above Greg about Katie

Stompin' Phil

[Daisy Chain]

Originally posted by ericklondon

25,30,40,50 squids for a whole day out in London is a bargain, some of you might even get a shag out of it !!

I demand a refund. I didn't even get an indecent proposal :innocent:

Daisy

[Barry Shnikov]

Originally posted by Daisy Chain
I demand a refund. I didn't even get an indecent proposal :innocent:
Daisy

Gender stereotyping, here we go.

Did you make any indecent proposals??:yum:

[Daisy Chain]

Originally posted by Barry Shnikov
Gender stereotyping, here we go.

Did you make any indecent proposals??:yum:


Hundreds! :devil:

[Barry Shnikov]

Originally posted by Daisy Chain
Hundreds! :devil:

...well they can't have all turned you down, surely???

[Katie]

Last night Katie and i had a couple of warm up tracks before the night started at Stompin' Fridays in Brighton with Viktor and it was exactly as you mentioned above Greg about Katie

Stompin' Phil
Thankyou Phil....:hug:

How much do i owe you? :wink:

[Andy McGregor]

So, the dust has settled, we've recovered our sleep debt, we can hear again:devil:, Kate(ie) has been able to wash her hair:sick: and we've had 7 days for sober reflection on the whole Championships. What do we think now? I've looked through the thread to see. Here are some of the highlights.


Originally posted by Lounge Lizard
Well done to the ceroc team, as a spectator I had no problem veiwing and enjoyed a fantastic display of dancing.

The dancing was the BEST I've ever seen in a competetition. And I could see it without having to look through small gaps between much taller people (i.e. everyone except Lounge Lizard) and plastic palm trees.


Originally posted by Lounge Lizard
Eric, best music I have ever heard in a comp (and best music I have heard at a ceroc event) Dan great set's well done.


I second that, the music was exactly right for the competition and the freestyle music was spot on too. I expect this was the result of weeks of careful planning. Well done Eric and his flock of DJs:worthy:


Originally posted by Lounge Lizard
Andy & Greg two of the best old gits there, you guys danced really well and were so entertaining.

Worst thing about competitions is the painted 'cheesy' smiles used by many competitors (I know it works cos the cheesy grins often win or get placed). Whereas the genuine smiles (like Andy's and others) came from the sheer enjoyment of the day, which to me is what dance is all about.

At LAST. Someone who appreciates my art:flower:

Judging - I agreed with all of the judges decisions - even the one that didn't give me and Sheepman a medal. What I still think should be changed is the time we find out if we're through or not. Just before the heat would be fine if there wasn't a gap of hours between some heats. Do you carry on practicing, do you change, do you freestyle, do you eat or do you cry:tears: The old way Ceroc did it in previous years worked just fine - please, please, please go back to that and save us competitors some heartache.

Venue - Most people thought the venue was O.K. - and, on balance, I agree with them. It was a bit grubby but other than that everything performed well. I found the floor was OK if you picked your spot - I've found that the edges of dancefloors can sometimes be a bit sticky but the middle is usually good and this was the case at the Palais. HOWEVER, even though the venue was up to the job it didn't compare to the either of the Blackpool venues I've seen. Come on, this is LONDON, the Capital City. Surely it can BEAT what Blackpool has to offer - Ken Livingstone is the Mayor, maybe he should be told:devil:

Smoking:sick: - 'Nuff said.



Originally posted by Kate
on a good note the competition was well worth going to!:clap:


I agree with Kate - and she finished the day in A&E!!!


All we've got to do now is persuade RobC to come back to the Palais if they can't find a new venue - any ideas?:devil:

[stompin' phil]

Originally posted by Katie
[b]
Thankyou Phil....:hug:

How much do i owe you? :wink:


The same again:kiss:

Phil

[stompin' phil]

[

All we've got to do now is persuade RobC to come back to the Palais if they can't find a new venue - any ideas?:devil: [/B][/QUOTE]

Try The RHS.Horticultural Halls, Vincent Sq, Westminster. Two great sized halls (120ft x70ft )with all the facilities you need. Not much change out of £10,000 inc vat

Have you looked at this Ceroc?

Keep on Stompin'

Phil

[Pammy]

Originally posted by RobC
Hmmm, I might be wrong, but the monkey in the white suit

Well, in that case I vote Bardsey and I in for entertaining the monkey :wink: right Bards?

Px

[Pammy]

Originally posted by foxylady
'weren't those gays great in the old gits competition!'

Ahhh, bless :rofl:

[Sheepman]

Originally posted by stompin' phil
it was exactly as you mentioned above Greg about Katie damn it, I should have kept my mouth shut, now everbody knows! Hopefully Kate, this means a full recovery from that head injury?


Originally posted by Andy McGregor
So, the dust has settled, we've recovered our sleep debt, we can hear again, Kate(ie) has been able to wash her hair and we've had 7 days for sober reflection on the whole Championships. What do we think now? I've looked through the thread to see.
Yes I can hear (but my ears are still ringing, and that's after a whole weekend of NO DANCING :tears: ) I won't forget the brilliant dancing, the special moments with friends, meeting new friends (I hope!) I might even try to forget some of those moves I did with Andy, but I think they're permanently etched on the brain!

I also won't forget the congestion, the poor lighting (in spectator areas mainly), the smoke, the state of those carpets and dance floor, the wet floors in the toilets (also not good for the dance shoes), and the problems with posting/annoucing the results.

The event was better in nearly every way than last year, but IMO still cannot compete with the other top events, which are in far superior venues. So I'm with RobC on this one, I won't plan to go back to the Palais.

This time I'm only saying I don't plan to go back, I may be open to a little late persuasion again . . . (and Andy, bribing me with videos of you naked WON'T work!!)

Greg

[ChrisA]

Originally posted by Sheepman
I won't plan to go back to the Palais.

This time I'm only saying I don't plan to go back, I may be open to a little late persuasion again
Yeah, like you have any credibility on that whatsoever :rofl:

See you at Hammersmith next year, Greg, if it's still held there... :D :D

Chris

[Andy McGregor]

Originally posted by Sheepman
. . . (and Andy, bribing me with videos of you naked WON'T work!!)

Greg

Worked last time:whistle: