Hi, I have to say that what appeared different to me is simply just an other opinion and in some cases based on a single experience. However, here it goes:
Workshops
NZ - I found the students’ attendance to overseas teachers’ workshops really high. Furthermore, I found the students very attentive (more then the other nations) and when ever the teachers spoke the students were instantly silent and focussed on what was instructed. The students’ energy level was very high and as a teacher I didn’t require to ‘inject’ extra energy. Once the workshop was completed the social interaction with us by the students was on par with Australia (1-2 students). Overall: they were definitely there to learn about the moves
UK – I found the students participation on par with Australia (this does not cover dance camps as it is discussed below). The students’ attentiveness was great but not on par with NZ. Energy needed to be injected as the students were mostly semi-silent. The crowd did respond well to “increase of energy” activities – clapping, cheering, jokes, etc… – the curiosity seemed more about us, as the teachers, rather then the moves. What I did find great was the amount of “after class/workshop” feedback and questions. Once the workshop was completed the social interaction with us, by the students, was considerably higher then the other nations. Overall: it felt like they were there to learn about us instead of the moves. I do feel that this could be about making an opinion first on who was instructing before focussing on what was being taught. Overall: they were there to learn about us and then the moves.
AUS - I found the students participation on par with UK (dance camps not included). The students’ attentiveness was great but not on par with NZ. Limited energy needed to be injected as AUS social behaviour is visible during the instruction phase – in fact in aerials workshops the norm is to request their attention before I/we cover a point (this is not a negative, … just different). The crowd did respond above the other nations to “increase of energy” activities – clapping, cheering, jokes, picking on the other teacher . After class questions were less then the other two nations. Overall: Students are there to learn the moves in a very social environment.
Classes
NZ - cannot comment as I have never attended nor taught in a NZ class
UK – This will get me into trouble ;D
Inner London classes – I can only comment on two experiences – teaching at Hipsters and attending one of Ceroc Metro (I think that was the name) classes.
At hipster limited students attend the classes and mostly turned up for the freestyle/dance session at the end of the night. Beginner and intermediate class structure was similar to AUS. Hipsters at the time was supposably one of the most popular venues and yet the beginner class had less then 20 couples – it looked like there were very few higher level dancers in it. The intermediate class was bigger in size (60sh students) and it had varying level of experience. It looked like a few “advance dancer” were in the class. The peculiar aspect observed in this class was that a few students, although rotating, did not even try to attempt in doing moves they did not like. So we found ourselves looking at a few guys just standing there and watching. The crowed was not very receptive to our efforts to inject energy. This made it, at times, difficult to motivate the students as the venue lacked the social/fun feel present in most Modern Jive classes and in the West Coast swing class taught earlier on downstairs. The other difference was the use of a DJ. Although the CD player was next to us, we had to ask a DJ to play our songs throughout the class. Once the social dancing commenced, the class became overcrowded and clashing between couples were inevitable, even if standing still. Additionally, it didn’t take long (within a few songs) to tell who were the top dancers and where the varying cliquey group positioned themselves. With the exception of a west coast swing dancer, a few local friends, only two girls approached me for a dance. Very few moves were referred by names.
Outer London classes
The classes here were similar to the Australian classes. 99% of those attending were rotating through the class. There was a great mixture of advance, intermediate, and beginner level through out all classes. The students were very receptive to energy injection activities and were very social. Other then a funny accent, I couldn’t really differentiate between UK and AUS. No DJ was present and everyone dance with one another. Also, the foreign visitors (us) were continuously asked for a dance. The only other mention I would make was that we were asked to teach a kids class before the beginner class started. To date I have not seen this in Australia – although sometimes Modern Jive (AUS) does go out to the schools to teach.
Overall in the UK there were considerably higher percentage of ‘leadable’ moves contrary to ‘signature’ moves.
AUS – To date all levels do attend beginner and intermediate classes, although I often observe through out Australia “advance” dancers (and friends) sitting and chatting next to a running class instead of joining in. I think nobody uses DJs anymore for classes and all moves have names (many not consistent throughout Australia). Foreign visiting teachers always attract bigger crowds and students strive to have at least a dance with them. The classes have natural high/fun energy.
Overall in AUS there was a considerably lower percentage (in comparison to the UK) of ‘leadable’ moves contrary to ‘signature’ moves. An exception seems to be for QLD and ACT where the percentage is almost on par with UK.
Dance camps
NZ - cannot comment as I have never attended nor taught in a NZ Dance Camp
UK – basically the word that comes to mind is WOW!!
I attended Camber Sands and was blown away by the number of students (1500sh). The variety of dance styles, teachers, and participation surpasses AUS. The duration of the “dance day” was also longer the AUS. I think the day started at 9am and finished the following morning at 5am. Although there was a heavy presence of Modern Jive workshops, it was far off in simply being an
all dance camp instead of a
prominently Modern Jive Dance camp as per AUS. The other difference was that most of the teachers were male whilst in AUS it is fairly even. Also, contrary to AUS, there appeared to be a sizeable contingent of dancers there purely for the dance parties. The dancers were very responsive to our energy injection activities and they all participated whilst in the class (see Hipsters comment). Post a workshop there was always feedback provided and/or questions asked – greater amount (%) then AUS. DJs were provided to assist us in the workshops. The events was well organised/managed. The teachers varied in knowledge and I felt that some had not undergone teacher training – based on basic teaching DO NOT DO rules – i.e. mock/criticise students on the dance floor, explain and/or demonstrate what they are about to be taught, class structure, etc. Overall: incredibly inspiring to both teachers and students and an insight to many other dance styles and techniques.
AUS –
The dance camps are mostly focussed on Modern Jive with a small element of other dance styles (some camps have greater more then other). The days are shorter then the UK and 99% of the teacher have had some formal dance teaching training. The percentage of couples joining in for rotation instead of dancing on the side of the class with just their partner is considerably lower then the UK’s. So far all dance camps attended by me have taught baby and major aerial workshops – this could be because the space used for training in AUS is usually ample for the number of attendees – not the case at Camber Sands (UK). The number of foreign teachers also is usually limited, contrary to the UK (more students could equate to more money available to fund foreign guest teachers). Social dance party are less cliquey then UK. Overall: minimal insight to other dance styles and techniques, but extremely social.
Dancers’ Interest: Techniques Vs moves
UK seems to be more focussed at the technique aspect of Modern Jive
AUS seems to be more focussed at the moves aspect of dancing
NZ – not sure
PS: except for footwork where AUS is more about technique and UK about step movement
Freestyle
Musicality
UK appeared to have more musicality then AUS & NZ in freestyle. An example was whilst watching dancers at dance party, in the UK when the music slowed down they all attempted to reflect the change. I have not witnessed this in NZ and AUS. Musicality is taught in all nations.
Danced moves
UK – ‘introverted’ moves with the exception of competitors or dancers with a strong swing & hip hop influence. Most moves tended to make the guy stand out.
Adaptation of other dance style moves outside their main influences – medium
AUS - “extroverted (performance)” moves. However, most of the moves tend to make the girl stand out.
Adaptation of other dance style moves outside their main influences – high
NZ - “extroverted (performance)” moves. As par AUS, most of the moves tend to make the girl stand out.
Adaptation of other dance style moves outside their main influences – unsure
Floorcraft –
UK – medium (despite hearing UK dancers rating it as high)
AUS – medium
NZ - medium
Styling –
UK - seems to be focussed more about the body movement
AUS – seems to be focussed on the arms, and although to a lesser extent) feet movement
NZ – for years I thought for the guy it was focussed on the feet movement and, for the lady, on the hands movement
Dips –
UK - limited although many are taught at dance camps and workshops. This could be a direct result of the overcrowded venues.]
AUS – many … and before someone says it “yes, guilty as charged ”
NZ – considerable amount, but less then AUS
Aerials –
UK - none seen except on the competitive floor. Although on the respective forums AUS is referred as the nation which does the most aerials during comps, this didn't seem to be the case when watching UK dancers at the Jive Masters.
AUS – Aerials are popular
NZ – Aerials are also popular but less then AUS, particularly on the dance floor.
PS.
1) If I had to place it in order of the nation who performs the most to the lesser amount of aerials on the competitive floor I would say: AUS, UK, NZ. However, in social environments: AUS, NZ, UK.
2) What was noticeable in the UK was that lots of Aus (Nicky&Robert performed/taught) baby aerials were used.
3) UK does have some of the best “aerial specialist” that I have come across (i.e. David and Lily).
Lead (guys leading skills) & Follow (lady following skills) - all nations are the same in the "following" arena. UK&AUS looked the same in the ‘lead’ arena. NZ looked like guys have stronger leads.
When it comes to “Girl Sabotage (girl taking over the lead) this was unseen in the UK.
However, it is more common & taught to be carried out at the end of a move in AUS.
In NZ, it is common to be seen at the end of a move although it is also taught to be carried out mid move.
Style influence
UK - Female influence (not seen), Male influence (major), Swing (major), Latin (moderate)
AUS - Female influence (major), Male influence (minor), swing (minor but supposably 10+ yrs ago considerable), Latin (major), west coast swing (major in last 4yrs)
NZ – Female influence (major), Male influence (minor), Latin (major), unsure on guys footwork styling influence. Overall some of the NZ influence is hard to depict.
Note: female focus seems to be on creativity (signature moves) & male influence on practicability (i.e. Leadable moves)
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