Bill
9th-March-2005, 06:06 PM
Been thinking about competing and competition results over the last few days and of a comment I made about the relative 'success' of the Scottish dancers at Blackpool. I'll try and keep this brief but bear with me ........
When I first ventured to London with Avril about 5 years ago there were few if any expectations from the Scots who went down and consequently those of us who did go were delighted to get past one round ! :nice: The first real win I remember was Jen in the Lucky Dip.
However, having reached the second round of the Intermediate the first year, I returned the next year hoping to do as well, if not better. The second year Avril and I reached the semi but the following year we 'only' managed the second round again and I was disappointed - although having seen the video I can't say I'm surprised I didn't progress!!). A few other couples also got through a few rounds ( most notably Gilbert and Lindsey) but on the whole we didn't really expect many, if any Scots to reach finals or be placed.
Over the last few years at Blackpool and/or London we have had several team winners, Seniors winners, Intermediate winners and numerous placings in finals. Do such expectations add to the general excitement and buzz surrounding competitions and so encourage others to compete or do they actually cause high - or possibly unrealistic expectations???? Putting in more time and effort can lead to higher expectations but perhaps also to bitter disappointment if the expectations are not realised.
The time, energy, commitment and cost of competing at Advanced or Open level can be huge and while competitors in England (or maybe London) can sign up for N & N, Amir, David & Lily etc... we have very few experienced top level dancers who have also judged and so have the expertise to pass on to dancers and perhaps give very honest feedback on what they see :what: . Franck, Scot, Obe and most of the other Ceroc teachers have considerable teaching experience but few actually want to compete but I wonder if they are called upon for advice!
Can 'we' sustain the current levels of Scottish success or will we all be just happy to compete and have fun???????????
When I first ventured to London with Avril about 5 years ago there were few if any expectations from the Scots who went down and consequently those of us who did go were delighted to get past one round ! :nice: The first real win I remember was Jen in the Lucky Dip.
However, having reached the second round of the Intermediate the first year, I returned the next year hoping to do as well, if not better. The second year Avril and I reached the semi but the following year we 'only' managed the second round again and I was disappointed - although having seen the video I can't say I'm surprised I didn't progress!!). A few other couples also got through a few rounds ( most notably Gilbert and Lindsey) but on the whole we didn't really expect many, if any Scots to reach finals or be placed.
Over the last few years at Blackpool and/or London we have had several team winners, Seniors winners, Intermediate winners and numerous placings in finals. Do such expectations add to the general excitement and buzz surrounding competitions and so encourage others to compete or do they actually cause high - or possibly unrealistic expectations???? Putting in more time and effort can lead to higher expectations but perhaps also to bitter disappointment if the expectations are not realised.
The time, energy, commitment and cost of competing at Advanced or Open level can be huge and while competitors in England (or maybe London) can sign up for N & N, Amir, David & Lily etc... we have very few experienced top level dancers who have also judged and so have the expertise to pass on to dancers and perhaps give very honest feedback on what they see :what: . Franck, Scot, Obe and most of the other Ceroc teachers have considerable teaching experience but few actually want to compete but I wonder if they are called upon for advice!
Can 'we' sustain the current levels of Scottish success or will we all be just happy to compete and have fun???????????