Interviewer: ninemsn in association with
60 Minutes presents a live interview with Margaret Lonsdale, here to talk to us about the boom in ballroom dancing.
Interviewer: Margaret thank you for joining us tonight in our live online chat.
Margaret Lonsdale: Thank you for having me, I am delighted to be here to answer questions on DanceSport.
ChaChaCha asks: How many people are registered with dance clubs in Australia now?
Margaret Lonsdale: We have 60,000 people that take part in DanceSport on a weekly basis. And competitively, there are 3000 registered competitors. This does not include people who are attending medal classes.
dancin_diva asks: How popular is ballroom dancing among the younger generation today?
Margaret Lonsdale: I think more and more people are becoming interested in DanceSport. For the first time ever, the sport has a junior development program called DanceEasy. It has been presented at ACHPER conferences at Monash University and we have several thousand children who are taking part in that nationally. The program — we are keen to get federal funding. With all the interest in the sport currently, on television, interviews and
60 Minutes, the sport needs to get federal funding to take the next step in our development. People at schools or individuals who are interested in joining the program or hearing more about it can contact us via e-mail or telephone. The e-mail address is theaustralian@iprimus.com.au and the phone number is (03) 9510 7770.
ellen asks: Are dance schools widespread around the country?
Margaret Lonsdale: Yes they are. There are dance schools in all states of Australia and in regional areas as well. For people to find their nearest dance studio they should look in their local phone book under dance teachers. Alternatively, they can go to the DanceSport Australia website and there is a listing of accredited coaches on the website. The website is www.dancesport.org.au
jackjack asks: What does dance sport involve?
Margaret Lonsdale: DanceSport involves both social, that is recreational dancing and competitive dancing. Like other sports, people can just join a class to dance socially to meet people or for exercise. From there, they would move up and do medal work, which is basic figures, where they would be examined. This is not competitive, it is done at a social level and there are different levels to work through to measure progress. From the medal work they can move into the competitive side of dancing. With DanceEasy, there are various levels in schools or with people who are disabled or older adults, and people work through the different levels with the pathway leading to medals and competition dancing if that is what they elect to do.
Ec3030 asks: I just saw the segment on
60 Minutes about dancing. I'm 16. Is it too late for me to start dancing and how do you get DanceSport to your school?
Margaret Lonsdale: Certainly it is not too late — it is never too late. Unlike other sports, people can take part in our sport from a young age until an old age. To get the sport in your school, I would suggest visiting our website at www.dancesport.org.au. There is information about DanceEasy on that site and you can register there. We can then look to take the program to your school or you can visit a studio near you.
Max asks: Is the cost associated with outfits etc. considerably higher than other sports, for example, soccer etc?
Margaret Lonsdale: It depends what level you are at. If I compare it to tennis — when you start all you need are sneakers and a racquet. If you are Lleyton Hewitt you need a more expensive racquet and better shoes. When people begin competition in DanceSport, they do not wear expensive outfits. At the lower levels, they would usually buy second-hand dresses from experienced competitors and they can be picked up much more cheaply. It comes back to choice — a little like when you shop. You can shop at an expensive shop or a less expensive shop. But certainly when you start, you do not need to spend thousands of dollars on costumes.
oka asks: Is Latin Dancing a normal part of ballroom? What styles are generally included?
Margaret Lonsdale: In DanceSport, we have three disciplines. We have two international styles and one Australian style. Latin is one of the international styles of DanceSport and it has five dances, Rumba, Samba, Paso Doble, Jive, and Cha Cha. They are the five Latin dances. Latin American is a totally different style to street Latin. This is not part of the competitive style of DanceSport, it is a separate section.
Stef asks: Can you specialise in one form of dance sports such as Latin?
Margaret Lonsdale: Yes you can. We recommend that when people are starting out that they do the three styles because down the track if they decide to take it up as a profession where they coach, they need to understand the three styles. Most people when starting out tend to do the three styles. When they get to elite levels, at that high level, they tend to specialise because of the intensity that is required. It is like a swimmer — they may specialise in a particular stroke, it is the same with DanceSport because of the level of difficulty and the time needed to rehearse at that level. We have world champions in 10 styles — the five Latin and the five other styles. These people are known as 10 dance champions. So there are some people that do the two international styles of Latin and standard. But more people at the top level specialise.
nero asks: In a competition what are the dancers marked on?
Margaret Lonsdale: In a competition and there are various levels. In Australian DanceSport championships, this is an international event so we have the highest qualified judges. The judges look at timing first — if the couples can't dance in time they will be marked low. The judges then look at the complexity of the figures — that is the steps that they do. The judges also look at chemistry — it is important that they dance as one. Floorcraft is important — the couple needs to move in a clockwise movement. In DanceSport, the man leads the lady. The gentlemen must put the lady into position and be sure that he has a clear pathway to do the figures that are part of the dance. The lady must follow the man's lead. For a female, if you have a top female and you get a boy with a beginner, it would be very hard for the woman to show herself to her full ability as the man is the leader in DanceSport on the floor.
Nick asks: Do I have to have a partner to take a lesson?
Margaret Lonsdale: No, you don't. Most people start off in a class. There are lots of people there. The teacher would be at the front of the class and the pupil will follow instruction. They will partner you with someone when you go to a class. There could be amateur competitors that provide partnerships to people in classes.
itsjustme asks: There is speculation about dancing becoming a sport for the 2012 Olympics, why would dancing be seen as a Olympic sport?
Margaret Lonsdale: Because it meets the attributes of a sport. DanceSport Australia is a member of the International DanceSport Federation (IDSF) and the IDSF is a member of the International Olympic Committee. We meet the criteria of what is required of a sport. I believe there is no doubt that it will be an Olympic sport. It is part of the world games. In Europe it is huge. We first got recognition as a sport in Victoria and we had to have attributes of a sport to be recognised. Unlike a runner, dancers cannot pace themselves, they must keep in time to the music. These people are fit and there is no question that this is a sport. It is just a matter of time. There is a lack of understanding on how judging takes part. In ice skating, figure skating and diving, you have judges who allocate points. In our sport we don't allocate points, we allocate place. So it could be for it to be included at the Olympics that the method of judging needs to change. I have no doubt that we will be part of the Olympics, otherwise, why would our peak body be a member of the IOC?
jonathan asks: What kind of benefits does DanceSport bring to competitors personally?
Margaret Lonsdale: I think DanceSport brings a number of benefits. To a participant — children or young people — it teaches discipline and grooming. It teaches them how to relate. It teaches them how to be groomed and skills that will benefit them in life. For those that take it up to compete, of course, all those things apply. It also keeps you fit. You can improve yourself and keep fit. It is like any sport — you can keep yourself fit, the same applies to DanceSport.
lily asks: Are you disappointed at how the sport was portrayed by some of the actions of the ones who didn't win and their shallow parents?
Margaret Lonsdale: Yes, I think it is a little sad. I think sometimes parents live their own fantasies through their children. They sometimes let their own unmet fantasies take over, rather than a commonsense approach. It is not all about winning; it is about fun and enjoyment. To have kids involved in something like this keeps them off the streets and keeps them busy and that is a huge benefit. It is so disappointing that parents get caught up in winning at all costs. Parents get too caught up in the competition and they try and fulfil their own dreams through their children. This disappoints me. They should rejoice in the fact that their children are not out there getting into trouble.
Max asks: How do they make sure that the competitors are judged fairly? It seemed that one of the parents in tonight’s article had concerns about that.
Margaret Lonsdale: Again, parents don't necessarily understand the technical side of the sport. That particular parent, I was speaking with one of the coaches who said that they really don't understand the technical skills. Sometimes we all see our kids through rose-coloured glasses. When you judge an event you judge on the attributes we have already discussed. It would be very difficult for results to be fixed. We have seven, nine or sometimes 11 [judges] and it would be very difficult to fix a result. You would have to get to every one of those judges and it's just not possible. Most of the judges get their living from DanceSport and they are not going to put their career at risk by marking someone last who should have been first.
lily asks: Have you had the opportunity to see wheelchair DanceSports and do you know we just won medals for Australia in Holland at Easter?
Margaret Lonsdale: Yes, I am aware of wheelchair sport. I have had some involvement, not to the top level but through other positions I have held. I was not aware we had won. Wheelchair dancing is very popular in Europe. I don't have much involvement personally.
Stef asks: Could ballet be a dance sport? For a dance to be considered a sport, does it need to be competitive?
Margaret Lonsdale: I believe to be a sport it must be competitive. Ballet is not competitive. DanceSport isn't artistry. Ballet is not a sport, it's an art. They are poles apart. DanceSport is similar to Ice Dancing or Ice Skating. I just don't see a similarity between ballet and DanceSport at all. In fact, quite often if you get someone into DanceSport from ballet it can be hard. The positions and style are quite different. It is difficult to train someone who has been there in ballet. But a strength would be that they have good musicality and good timing.
dede asks: Does swing and rock 'n' roll come under the DanceSport umbrella?
Margaret Lonsdale: Rock 'n' roll is associated with the international body. Here in Australia, it is conducted separately. They are not disciplines of DanceSport, they are another form of dance.
oka asks: What is included in the Australian styles? Is this like New Vogue or something similar?
Margaret Lonsdale: New Vogue is the Australian style and there are 15 championship dances in competitive New Vogue dancing. There are many, many more that are done socially.
amy asks: Are many relationships developed in ballroom dancing, especially between dancing partners?
Margaret Lonsdale: Yes, it can happen. In my case it did. I married my dancing partner. It depends. When you dance you have to have chemistry and this can lead to romance. You like the same thing and this is a good basis for a long-term relationship. I think it is a bit sad that years ago we would have many town hall dances and many tunes lead to honeymoons. We don't have these any more. I think this is a shame. If someone loves dancing and they do competition and they get a partner, yes they could fall in love with their dancing partner.
fill asks: What is the best way to find a dance partner to compete with?
Margaret Lonsdale: The best way is that if you are an experienced dancer is to contact various studios. We have an industry magazine where people can advertise for partners but usually you would go to your local studio. Quite often, if a partnership breaks up, the industry knows, so contact is made with a coach. That is usually how it is done.
sven asks: Do you believe the popularity of reality TV shows that centre around ballroom dancing has increased its popularity?
Margaret Lonsdale: I think so, definitely. There is greater awareness of it. This is fantastic. It is a great opportunity for us, as a sport, to capitalise on it. This is why we want federal funding for our junior development program. It is a great opportunity for kids who may not want to play football or netball. People who watch it may see celebrities that have tackled it are now more aware of the complexities of it.
JJ asks: Are there any Australian books you can recommend for those of us learning to dance?
Margaret Lonsdale: To learn from a book is very difficult. You are far better to go to a studio. Most of the books available are technique books and you really need to know what you are doing. If you are a beginner, you are far better to go to a studio. It is important to make sure that your coach or teacher is accredited with DanceSport Australia.
jonathan asks: What's the difference between Ballroom, Modern, Standard, International and DanceSport?
Margaret Lonsdale: It can get confusing. International means it is an international style, of which there are two — Latin American or standard. Standard is waltz, slow fox trot, tango, quickstep and Viennese waltz. Standard is also known as modern. People refer to it as Modern Ballroom. Standard, Modern and Modern Ballroom are all the same thing. Standard and Latin American are the two international styles. It does not include the Australian style of New Vogue. International usually has a higher standard with international competitors.
Interviewer: Unfortunately we are out of time, do you have any final comments for those that have joined us tonight.
Margaret Lonsdale: I would encourage you to log onto our website. Please attend a class or read about DanceEasy for your school. The website is www.dancesport.org.au. For Australia's premier competition event, the web address is www.theaustralianchampionship.com.au . If you are in Melbourne December 8-10, we are at Vodafone arena. That is our premier event with international competitors.
Interviewer: Once again, thank you and goodnight. This concludes our live chat with Margaret Lonsdale, April 30, 2006.
Produced by ninemsn.com.au in Sydney, Australia
© 2006 ninemsn.com.au
For more information on DanceSport and the Australian Championships visit:
www.dancesport.org.au
www.theaustralianchampionship.com.au
