What became of the Independant MJ Association

[Gus]

I have a vague memory of the independents trying to get themselves organised to counter that Great Dark Evil that is CeRoc(tm). Something was organised in the late 80's I think. What happened? Without some structure to teaching, dancer improvement, co-operation, will there ever be a realistic challenge to Ceroc's dominance? I've noticed that when Ceroc has been challenged most (JA, Hipsters, Le Jive Dance Competitions, Jive Nation) they tend to be innovative.

Lets challenge them some more and see what they can really do

[Achaeco]

I have a vague memory of the independents trying to get themselves organised to counter that Great Dark Evil that is CeRoc(tm). Something was organised in the late 80's I think. What happened? Without some structure to teaching, dancer improvement, co-operation, will there ever be a realistic challenge to Ceroc's dominance? I've noticed that when Ceroc has been challenged most (JA, Hipsters, Le Jive Dance Competitions, Jive Nation) they tend to be innovative.

Lets challenge them some more and see what they can really do

Why ???

[Gus]

Why ???

The more innovation the better. With the pressure from WCS, Ceroc has unleashed Paul Farrell and so given even more publicity to the WCS arena. With more weekenders there has been more choice and the Ceroc weekenders seem to cater for a slightly different aspect than JA. As long as dirty tricks aren't used, then ALL parties have to improve. Now that the Ceroc Champs have finally started getting their act together maybe the UK Open Champs will have to improve their game ... and get round to bringing in an 'Advanced' category and a decent website

[Achaeco]

The more innovation the better. With the pressure from WCS, Ceroc has unleashed Paul Farrell and so given even more publicity to the WCS arena. With more weekenders there has been more choice and the Ceroc weekenders seem to cater for a slightly different aspect than JA. As long as dirty tricks aren't used, then ALL parties have to improve. Now that the Ceroc Champs have finally started getting their act together maybe the UK Open Champs will have to improve their game ... and get round to bringing in an 'Advanced' category and a decent website

I think it fab that Ceroc have hit WCS, yes they have the clout to get it in the public eye.
I think independents strive to inprove all the time as does Ceroc but not because of Ceroc.
Gus. yes the web site is in a poor condition at the moment, give me a fortnight and it will be perfect. As for us having to implement an Advanced - why do we need to do that? WE have the MASTERS category now.

[Gus]

As for us having to implement an Advanced - why do we need to do that? WE have the MASTERS category now.

So is the Blackpool Open = Ceroc Advanced and the Masters = the Ceroc Open??

Its still a mockery when we have this false impression that MJ teachers are 'professionals' so can only dance at the top level. Come on, honestly, what percentage of instructors are really Open level dancers.

[Achaeco]

So is the Blackpool Open = Ceroc Advanced and the Masters = the Ceroc Open??

Its still a mockery when we have this false impression that MJ teachers are 'professionals' so can only dance at the top level. Come on, honestly, what percentage of instructors are really Open level dancers.

Gus. dont make assumptions. We are not making teachers enter the Masters. We all agree that some teachers are not advanced dancers.
Like i have said the website will be up and running in two weeks, if you have not got a flyer PM me and i will send you one.

[Yliander]

Gus. yes the web site is in a poor condition at the moment, give me a fortnight and it will be perfect.

look forward to seeing it

As for us having to implement an Advanced - why do we need to do that? WE have the MASTERS category now.

to allow people to progress through various competition levels - only having 2 levels at a competition is rather tough - also I would have thought Advanced would come before Masters - not been the same thing ie start at intermediate, win there move to Advanced win at Advanced move on to Masters....

think it would great to see a UK comp with full range of levels from beginner to Open/Masters

[Achaeco]

look forward to seeing it

to allow people to progress through various competition levels - only having 2 levels at a competition is rather tough - also I would have thought Advanced would come before Masters - not been the same thing ie start at intermediate, win there move to Advanced win at Advanced move on to Masters....

think it would great to see a UK comp with full range of levels from beginner to Open/Masters

We tried a beginners cat last year and got a poor response.
The Masters is all about "Title" it's open to everyone. there is only a winner, no 2nd or 3rd place. This is not an open, its all about how you dance on the day to see if you can beet the rest to be the best.

[bigdjiver]

Why ???

The Media is one reason. They like to seek out an independent, but representative, voice.