THE
TIMES
BALLROOM
AUSTRALIA
R
Vol. 2 No. 8 August 2015
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A Letter from the Editors
Welcome to The Australia Times “BALLROOM”, August 2015 Edition. In this months
edition we see a great article about the recent Same Sex Championship in NSW, and
coverage of the Just Dance Titles in Cairns. The 2nd Amazing Cup was held in Taipei and
we have a detailed article from one of our editors Jason Beaman who was in Taipei for
the event. Balance Nourish Thrive is back with a great article about how to get our kids
motivated to exercise. Remember contact us at info@theaustraliatimes.com.au if you
want to contribute to the next edition. Jason & Erin.
ON THE COVER
Sigurdur Thor Sigurdsson & Annalisa Zoanetti
Tasmanian Adult Open Latin Champions
PHOTO BY KERRIE BOURKE
www.facebook.com/kerrierollsbourkephotography
IN THIS ISSUE
Letter from the Editors.............Pg 3
NSW Same Sex Comp..............Pg 6
Cairns Just Dance Titles.........Pg 12
Amazing Cup Taipei...............Pg 22
Balance Nourish Thrive..........Pg 32
Have Your Say........................Pg 54
Want to be a contributor?
Please email us
info@theaustraliatimes.com.au
CONTRIBUTORS
Michael O’Reilly
Camella Camenzuli
Kevin & Riana Morellini
Jason Beaman
Rhett Watts
Photographers :
Kerrie Bourke, Camella Camenzuli,
Marc Fisher, Tony Wang,
Vita M Photos
COMING NEXT MONTH
• Off The Floor Interview
• Tasmanian Open
• Shepparton Competition
• Aussies around the world
• Have your say
and much more!
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Michael O’Reilly & Camella Camenzuli reporting ...
The 2015 Sydney Same Sex Ballroom Dance Championships were held on Saturday
11th July at Petersham Town Hall. A venue full of character and atmosphere, well
suited to hosting a dance competition of this size.
Competitors and their families and friends travelled from all around Australia to be present, with most states
represented.
Judging the competitors was a panel of highly qualified adjudicators including TONY GAUCI, KARINA
SCHEMBRI and CUSHLA GILLARD.
The competition commenced around 1.00 pm with grading. Before the first event starts, the competitors
dance 1 or 2 dances of each style they are competing in and the adjudicators assign each couple a grade in
which they will then compete. Around 2.00 pm, competition proper commenced.
As at all Ballroom Dance competitions, the standard of dancing varied. There was a mix of good dancing and
not so good, seasoned competitors and novices. But the effort and enthusiasm and love of dancing from all
the dancers was obvious. The hours spent on the practice floor clearly showed with many couples looking very
well rehearsed.
I was particularly impressed to see some couples switch roles from lead to follow, seamlessly between
sequences in New Vogue, timing was maintained with ease.
It was also good to see most couples dance multiple styles, with many competing in all 3 styles.
During the day there were a number of novelty events. These include boy/girl events. I found it interesting
watching people dance roles in this event, different to the roles they danced in the competitive events. Clearly
many dancers are equally at home dancing follow as they are dancing lead.
There were many opportunities for the audience to stretch their legs with many general dances, covering all
styles. There was also a Swing Dance demonstration was enjoyed by all.
For me, the standout feature of this event is the
support and enthusiasm of the audience. At
most competitions I attend, there is subdued applause from the spectators and attention is often reserved for
SATURDAY 11TH JULY - 2015 SYDNEY
Same Sex Ballroom Dance Championship
Pg 7
those events in which we have a specific interest. Not so here. All members of the audience fully supported all
the dancers in all the events. If an event was underway, everyone watched and cheered and at the conclusion
of the event, everyone applauded.
For the standard of dancing of same sex couples to improve, more opportunities to compete are needed. I
would love to see a same sex event incorporated into a mainstream competition. It would benefit everyone
involved. I would like to think all of us involved in ballroom dancing would welcome same sex couples.
Well done to the organisers for putting on a thoroughly
enjoyable and well run competition!
SATURDAY 11TH JULY - 2015 SYDNEY
Same Sex Ballroom Dance Championship
SATURDAY 11TH JULY - 2015 SYDNEY
Same Sex Ballroom Dance Championship
GROUP SHOT
Camella Camenzuli : https://www.facebook.com/pages/Camella-Camenzuli-photography/366547216867119
Pg 8
SATURDAY 11TH JULY - 2015 SYDNEY
Same Sex Ballroom Dance Championship
BALLROOM EVENT
Camella Camenzuli : https://www.facebook.com/pages/Camella-Camenzuli-photography/366547216867119
Pg 9
SATURDAY 11TH JULY - 2015 SYDNEY
Same Sex Ballroom Dance Championship
SATURDAY 11TH JULY - 2015 SYDNEY
Same Sex Ballroom Dance Championship
LATIN EVENT
Camella Camenzuli : https://www.facebook.com/pages/Camella-Camenzuli-photography/366547216867119
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Kevin & Riana Morellini reporting ...
The 2015 Just Dance Cairns Ballroom Titles was held in Cairns on Saturday 25 July 2015. Competitors
travelled from Townsville, Mackay, Brisbane and even South Australia to attend this regional event which
attracted an audience of over 250 spectators.
Competition was of a high standard and the atmosphere was electric as everyone got behind their favourite
couples. It was great to see such camaraderie between competitors, even recreational and individual dancers
felt at ease socialising amongst those in the higher amateur grades.
All of the competitors loved dancing to the fantastic music throughout the day and inspired everyone to dance
at their best. A number of Masters couples took up the challenge and competed in the Adult Open events,
returning fantastic results. There was a huge number of recreational competitors entered, with most of their
events having a full Semi-Final then a Final. So great to see new interest in competition! The
amateurs really spurred on our newcomers and made them feel good about being on the floor.
The distinguished adjudicating panel was primarily from Brisbane. Most adjudicators stayed on to assist with
the very first Match Analysis run in Australia, held on Sunday after the competition. Couples got an opportunity
to get some personalised feedback on their dancing from adjudicators based on the WDSF Adjudicating System
2.0. We are grateful to DALLAS AND MARTHA WILLIAMS for taking the time to explain the process and for
running the analysis. It was a great learning experience for dancers and adjudicators alike; the competitors
really appreciated the opportunity to have an informal discussion with adjudicators to learn a little more about
what the adjudicators feel they need to work on as well as better understanding the adjudicating process.
All in all it was a very successful event. The feedback from interstate competitors was very positive; some even
stated it was one of the best competitions they had been to in Australia.
We must thank our fantastic sponsors BILL SEXTON Chartered Accountants and the SALT HOUSE CAIRNS,
and we would like to sincerely thank everyone who travelled near and far to support our competition. It is so
encouraging to see interest in Dancesport grow in regional areas like Far North Queensland!
Next year’s event will be held in Cairns on Saturday 23 July 2016 –
mark it in your calendars!
Kevin & Riana Morellini
SATURDAY 25TH JULY
2015 Just Dance Cairns Ballroom Titles
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RESULTS
YOUTH/ADULT OPEN STANDARD:
1ST CHRIS CHRISTENSEN & MEGAN LEESE
2nd Shane & Karen Buckley
3rd Kurtis Norman & Danae Leet
YOUTH/ADULT OPEN LATIN:
1ST CHRIS CHRISTENSEN & MEGAN LEESE
2nd Arley Leet & Kahla Gilbert
YOUTH/ADULT OPEN NEW VOGUE:
1ST DYLAN POWTER & JESSICA GWYNNE
2nd Arley Leet & Kahla Gilbert
3rd Kurtis Norman & Danae Leet
MASTERS OPEN STANDARD:
1ST SHANE & KAREN BUCKLEY
2ndJacques & Yvonne Klop
3rd Ross Hall & Jillian Kelly
MASTERS OPEN LATIN:
1ST BRENDAN SMITH & MONICA LAYTON
2nd Doug & Sheree Rolfe
3rd Ross Hall & Jillian Kelly
MASTERS OPEN NEW VOGUE:
1ST JACQUES & YVONNE KLOP
2nd Ross Hall & Jillian Kelly
3rd Gennaro Falvo & Margaret Blakey
For a detailed look at the results for these
events, please click on the links below.
http://dancesportlive.net/dsl/results/2015/
cairns/session/results/results/73.html
http://dancesportlive.net/dsl/results/2015/
cairns/session/results/results/78.html
http://dancesportlive.net/dsl/results/2015/
cairns/session/results/results/67.html
http://dancesportlive.net/dsl/results/2015/
cairns/session/results/results/68.html
http://dancesportlive.net/dsl/results/2015/
cairns/session/results/results/74.html
http://dancesportlive.net/dsl/results/2015/
cairns/session/results/results/77.html
SATURDAY 25TH JULY
2015 Just Dance Cairns Ballroom Titles
SATURDAY 25TH JULY
2015 Just Dance Cairns Ballroom Titles
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SATURDAY 25TH JULY
2015 Just Dance Cairns Ballroom Titles
CHRIS CHRISTENSEN & MEGAN LEESE
Youth/Adult Open Standard Champions
Marc Fisher : www.marcsherphoto.net
Pg 15
SATURDAY 25TH JULY
2015 Just Dance Cairns Ballroom Titles
SATURDAY 25TH JULY
2015 Just Dance Cairns Ballroom Titles
CHRIS CHRISTENSEN & MEGAN LEESE
Youth/Adult Open Latin Champions
Marc Fisher : www.marcsherphoto.net
Pg 16
SATURDAY 25TH JULY
2015 Just Dance Cairns Ballroom Titles
ARLEY LEET & KAHLA GILBERT
2nd Place Youth/Adult Open New Vogue
Marc Fisher : www.marcsherphoto.net
Pg 17
SATURDAY 25TH JULY
2015 Just Dance Cairns Ballroom Titles
SATURDAY 25TH JULY
2015 Just Dance Cairns Ballroom Titles
SHANE & KAREN BUCKLEY
Masters Open Standard Champions
Marc Fisher : www.marcsherphoto.net
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SATURDAY 25TH JULY
2015 Just Dance Cairns Ballroom Titles
BRENDAN SMITH & MONICA LAYTON
Masters Open Latin Champions
Marc Fisher : www.marcsherphoto.net
Pg 19
SATURDAY 25TH JULY
2015 Just Dance Cairns Ballroom Titles
SATURDAY 25TH JULY
2015 Just Dance Cairns Ballroom Titles
JACQUES & YVONNE KLOP
Place Masters Open New Vogue Champions
Marc Fisher : www.marcsherphoto.net
Pg 20
SATURDAY 25TH JULY
2015 Just Dance Cairns Ballroom Titles
ROSS HALL & JILLIAN KELLY
2nd Place Masters Open New Vogue
Marc Fisher : www.marcsherphoto.net
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SATURDAY 25TH JULY
2015 Just Dance Cairns Ballroom Titles
SATURDAY 12TH SEPTEMBER 2015
Pullman Melbourne Albert Park, 65 Queens Road, Melbourne
Doors Open 7.30am • Competition commences 8.30am
CONTACT FAY STUDD
E: faystudd.ads2@bigpond.com or M : 0422 954 002
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Jason Beaman reporting ...
Sunday July 19th in Taipei, Taiwan witnessed the 2nd Amazing Cup organised by former British Professional
Rising Star Ballroom Finalists, 3rd place at the World Professional 10 Dance and many times Taiwan Ballroom,
Latin and 10 Dance Champions, ALEX & MELODY HOU. What a fantastically well organised championship
this was, the programme ran on time all day and evening and with over 200 entries throughout the day a
smooth running event was witnessed by all in attendance. Alex & Melody were excellent hosts and made sure
nothing was forgotten, pick up from airport and return, hotel accommodation, welcome party for judges and
competitors alike and a nice personal touch was to see them go around to every single table in the evening
programme to welcome and say thank you to all in attendance for supporting their event. Something you
do not see very often these days
, a professional touch to an already wonderful event.
Adjudicators for 2015 were ISAO NAKAGAWA (Japan), DENISE WEAVERS (England), JASON BEAMAN
(Australia), FABRIZIO CRAVERO (Italy), PHILIP REDMOND (Ireland), JOHN TAN (Singapore), MELVYN
LOW (Singapore), RALF LEPEHNE (Germany), RURIKO HIRATA (Japan) and of course many local Taiwan
judges. We all had a difficult task of judging nearly every event from 8:30 in the morning right through to the
evening session with some events having some great talent on offer in all age groups. Couples from Ukraine,
Italy, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan fought it out to see who would be become the
2015 Amazing Cup Champions.
For international competitors competing in the Amateur A Grade events, 2 nights accommodation was offered
to all internationals, this was great considering the competition was held in the same hotel and couples could
just catch a lift to the second floor and enter the ballroom already dressed.
I had the pleasure of performing with Julie Shen from Singapore who was invited by the
organisers to perform in the evening programme. Those of you who are not aware of Julie, she is a very big
supporter of Ballroom Dancing in Singapore and loves to dance Australian New Vogue, she was a student of
the late Keith Collins with whom she learnt off in Singapore for many years before his passing.
Julie’s performance was well received by the audience and she also got a special mention from the demonstrating
couple that evening in MIRKO GOZOLLI & EDITA DANIUTE who also performed and interesting show of all
5 Ballroom rhythms.
During the demonstration of Mirko & Edita, Alex & Melody and their students performed numbers during the
costume changes of Mirko & Edita which kept the show running very quickly with no down time waiting for
costume changes. The AT Team of dancers and Alex & Melody certainly put on a very entertaining show with
something for everyone.
SUN 19TH JULY - TAIWAN
2nd Amazing Cup Taipei
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SUN 19TH JULY - TAIWAN
2nd Amazing Cup Taipei
SUN 19TH JULY - TAIWAN
2nd Amazing Cup Taipei
ALEx & MELODY HOU
Photo courtesy of Tony Wang
Pg 24
The Professional Latin champions were from the Ukraine, IGOR BOEV & ELENA NESTEROVA. Many of you
will remember Igor when he won the Australian Professional Latin Championship with then partner Karina
Schembri. Igor & Elena produced a very classy performance with Elena certainly portraying a very sexy lady
dancer with Igor partnering her and leading her into every movement. It was indeed a real pleasure to watch.
In the Amateur Latin the number one couple in Singapore and regular competitors at many events around Asia
were JUMIL BACALSO & NATALIE TJORKO. They are a great partnership and have really improved since
last time I saw them dance in November 2014. Jumil really has a great feel for the Latin rhythms and his love
of dance definitely shines through. He looks after Natalie at all times which is lovely to see, Natalie is a great
partner and reacts to Jumil’s actions without anticipation.
In the Amateur Ballroom event a young couple from Taiwan performed very well and they were TONY WANG
& EVAN CHIU, Tony is the son of former Taiwan Champions Michael & Lily Wang and produced a very good
frame for his lady with good movement and flow throughout all the Ballroom dances.
The 2015 Amazing Cup was a huge success and if anyone is interested
in attending the championship in 2016, you can contact myself via email
at Jason@outsidechange.com
SUN 19TH JULY - TAIWAN
2nd Amazing Cup Taipei
JUDGING PANEL - 2ND AMAzING CUP TAIPEI
Photo courtesy of Tony Wang
Pg 25
SUN 19TH JULY - TAIWAN
2nd Amazing Cup Taipei
SUN 19TH JULY - TAIWAN
2nd Amazing Cup Taipei
from left, MELODY HOU, MIRKO GOzOLLI, EDITA DANIUTE & ALEx HOU
Photo courtesy of Tony Wang
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SUN 19TH JULY - TAIWAN
2nd Amazing Cup Taipei
A T TEAM MALE DANCERS
Photo courtesy of Tony Wang
Pg 27
SUN 19TH JULY - TAIWAN
2nd Amazing Cup Taipei
SUN 19TH JULY - TAIWAN
2nd Amazing Cup Taipei
A T TEAM MALE DANCERS
Photo courtesy of Tony Wang
Pg 28
SUN 19TH JULY - TAIWAN
2nd Amazing Cup Taipei
JUMIL BACALSO & NATALIE TJORKO
Photo courtesy of Tony Wang
Pg 29
SUN 19TH JULY - TAIWAN
2nd Amazing Cup Taipei
SUN 19TH JULY - TAIWAN
2nd Amazing Cup Taipei
TONY WANG & EVAN CHIU
Photo courtesy of Tony Wang
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Article #6. Written by Rhett Watts
GETTING KIDS ON THE MOVE?
Why do some kids keep moving throughout their childhood and others wind down
like clockwork toys?
As a writer for TAT Ballroom, my articles have predominately focused on health, nutrition and condition training
for dancers. After attending the 2015 Tots to Teens Dance Competition, I was inspired to write an article about
something I have spent many years researching and personally passionate about ‘Youth Fitness’.
As part of my ongoing research, studies with various Universities and working with Les Mills, a major component
has been the younger generation with a focus on getting kids moving! My hope for this article is to share with
you research around getting kids moving, reasons why Dancesport is a great sport to get kids active, and finally
raise the importance that creating an active and healthier younger generation is everyone’s responsibility.
If you have an interest and passion for promoting fun and fitness with children/teens this article will certainly
grab your attention, if you don’t then hopefully I can get you thinking about it. In this article I want to explore
why the time may be right for Dancesport to break into the youth market. (When I say youth I am relating to
age groups from toddlers to teenagers).
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From Bondi, Belgium, Boston, Bendigo, Britain ,Broome and the world over youth based dance, sports training
and group classes are the ‘Go’.
Professor Natalie Digate Author of ‘The Fitness Journal’ states:
“The burst in popularity may be due to growing concern about the epidemic of childhood inactivity and obesity,
a stronger push to groom athletes from a young age, a greater scientific acceptance of resistance training for
children, or other motivations to get kids and teens moving”.
Whatever the reasons, youth fitness has evolved into a multi $4 billion industry reaching
thousands of youngsters (Mc Williams 2004) If you have started or are thinking about starting or growing a
youth based fitness program I applaud you for taking the next step, similar excited to share with you why and
how getting our younger generation moving is so important.
WHY KIDS MATTER?
Physical activity provides many benefits that can positively affect children’s health, their mental and social
well-being, and their performance in everyday life and learning.
First and foremost, physical activity can greatly benefit children’s health.
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If we take a look at this basic version of the activity period, I have two questions for you-
1) How many children aged 3-16 actually engage in physical activity every day?
2) What do youth need to get them to become more involved in physical activity and movement?
In Australia childhood obesity has become a major concern. Since the early 1970s, average weight has been steadily
increasing among children from all socioeconomic levels, racial and ethnic groups, and regions of the country.
Recent data shows that
17% of Australian children and adolescents are now overweight. I
often ask myself what can I do to change this?......How can I help change youth habits for a lifetime?
From my research and working closely with professionals and most importantly children I have found prevention
is the key to avoiding the onset of inactivity-related conditions and diseases. While exercise is an important
antidote to overweight and obesity, as well as depression and low self-esteem, preventing these problems from
occurring in the first place is an even better strategy. The experience of most adults will confirm that it is easier
to keep moving than to get moving after long periods of inactivity. It is easier to maintain a healthy body weight
than to fight back against overweight and obesity. These truths apply to young people, too. Engaging in physical
activity during childhood increases the chance of remaining physically active as an adult.
Along with its roles in helping to keep children healthy, prevent chronic conditions, and develop an active
lifestyle, physical activity has many other benefits. It can reduce the effects of stress, while at the same time
stimulating brain activity and increasing the ability to concentrate. Reducing stress can make it easier for
children to develop physically, mentally, intellectually, and socially. Ultimately, isn’t this what we want for the
younger generation?
Guidelines as recommended by the Australian Government Department of Health & Ageing.
5 – 12 YR OLDS:
• Combinationofmoderateandvigorousactivitiesforatleast60minsaday.
• Childrentypicallyaccumulateactivityinintermittentburstsrangingfromafewsecondstoseveralminutes.
• Opportunitytoparticipateinavarietyofactivitiestosuittheirinterests,skillsandabilities.
• Childrenshouldnotspendmorethantwohoursadayusingelectronicmediaforentertainment,
particularly during daylight hours.
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12 - 18 YR OLDS:
• Physicalactivityshouldbedoneatamoderatetovigorousintensityatleast60minsaday.
• Moderate–briskwalking,bikeriding,skateboarding,dancing.
• Vigorous–football,soccer,netball,running,sportstraining.
• Foradditionalhealthinclude20minmorevigorousactivity3–4daysaweek.
THE FACTS - INACTIVITY THROUGH OUT LIFE
Australian children are at the greatest risk of becoming sedentary adults. Sedentary habits are
becoming one of our most important battles with growing range sedentary alternatives to physical activity.
There’s absolutely no doubt that kids need exercise, and that most kids aren’t getting enough. Less than
one-third of kids aged 6 to 17 get at least 20 minutes of daily exercise in one form or another. This is tragic,
considering the multitude of short and long term health benefits children can gain from a regular exercise
regimen. Let’s take a look at some statistics and research from the Australian Bureau of Statistics;
• Anestimated1.5millionpeopleundertheage18areconsideredoverweightorobese.Thismeans
about 20-25% of Australian children are overweight or obese.
• Childrenaregettinglessaerobicexercise.Theamountofaerobictnessisdecreasingabout0.4%ayear.
• Between1985and1997obesitylevelsinthepopulationdoubled.Whileobesityincreased2-4times,
being overweight increased 60-70%. This shows signs not just of increasing, but accelerating.
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• Ifweightgaincontinuesthepathitisfollowing,bytheyear2020,80%ofallAustralianadultsanda
third of all children will be overweight or obese.
• 50%ofobeseadolescentscontinuetobeobeseasadults.
• 20yearsago86%ofkidsparticipatedinregularPE
• Today63%ofkidsparticipateinregularPE
• 1/3of6-17yr.oldsget20min/dayphysicalactivity.
HPE Participation Victoria University
Juonala et al. New England Journal of Medicine, November 2011
We’ve all read these grim statistics. The current epidemic of physical inactivity threatens to
burden health systems, slow economic growth and stunt human potential. With the growth of youth exercise I
am determined to reverse that trend, by improving the next generation’s quality of life by establishing healthy
patterns and instilling in young people the importance of keeping active throughout life.
In comparison on the smaller end of the spectrum to that of the increase in the sedentary lifestyles, never have
youths sports been taken so seriously by those who participate (and their parents). So how do we get from
point A (the sofa) to Point B (The soccer team), or at least to somewhere in between? My answer is Youth
Fitness/ Dance Training and Group Classes.
THE INACTIVITY TREND
Pg 37
WHAT HAS HAPPENED:
70% of kids drop out of sport by the age of 12.
Research conducted in the USA in 2013
showed 20 million children register for soccer, basketball, football, dance and other sports by the age of 12,
70% drop out!
Although there is limited research on youth involvement and retention in the Dancesport industry, I believe if
we use some of the research conducted on other sports and youth fitness it may help us to involve more of the
younger generation in the Dancesport industry and get them actively moving.
So there is an abundance of research out there to why the younger generation are dropping out of sports and
physical activity. From looking at the images we can summarise the research;
1) They’re not having fun.
2) Not experiencing improvement.
3) Too much pressure to perform.
4) Don’t get adequate playing time/ waiting around.
5) Sport, dance and gymnastics all have like/dislike, ability/ non-ability issues. Not every child is set out
for that and since they teach specific skills, technique can be a big focus.
6) Not all kids learn at the same pace either, and this can be disheartening for kids if they don’t progress
but the rest of their class does.
In the UK last year a study was done with 8000 children from 10-13
they found that perceived lack of competency and ability stopped these
children from playing sports.
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But wait there is more….. If you thought that it was up to schools to promote and provide the daily recommended
physically activity for children 5-16 years of age, you could not be further from the truth. I am a trained Health/
Physical Education teacher and I would love students to be physically active every day however the reality is
due to other curriculum requirements this is not the case.
These pictures indicate the reality of physical activity in schools and the decrease of students involved in
various forms of movement, sports or fitness. By simply looking at the class timetable you can see that these
students only get 2 x 50 minute sessions of physical activity a week.
Pg 39
However I would like to breakdown the research of what has occurred in physical education over the last decade;
• Kidsdon’tgetregularPEanymore.
• SomePEteachersaren’tcondentdeliveringallactivitiessotheyfocusontheactivitiestheylike.
• Someschoolsdon’thavespecialistPEteachersandthegeneralteacherneedstoteachPEwithoutall
the knowledge to do so.
• Budgetcutshaveledtodecreasedextra-curricularactivities.
• Nutritionisn’ttaughtinallschools.
• StudiesshowthatsomePEclassesonlygivekids8minutesofphysicalactivitywithsetupandtake
down or if waiting at stations.
• PEclassesarenotusuallydifferentiated.Often1sizetsallistheapproachtaken.
• Ifkidsaren’tgoodatittheyareallowedtositout.Thenthey’regradedonthatandareevenmore
demotivated to try any physical activity if they don’t do well in PE.
So I have raised the concerns of youth dropping out of sports, along with the decrease in physical activity at
schools. However let’s take a look at some more statistics from the Australian Governments Department of
Health and Aging, and how the changes in family structures and situations have impacted on young people’s
participation in physical activity.
Pg 40
THE RESEARCH INDICATES
• Parentsarebusierthanever.
• Thereisanincreaseinsingleparentfamiliesthatmayneedtoworklonghoursorextrajobstosupport
their kids……. This in turn leads to a locked in generation! Kids can’t do things by themselves.
• Thereisanincreaseindualincomeearningfamilies.Bothparentsnotathometoengagechildrenin
physical activity.
• Parentseitherdon’thavethemoneyordon’thavethetimetotakekidstoextraactivities.
• Thinkaboutsportordance,theytendtorequireextrainvestmentsforuniforms,equipment,costumes,
travel to competitions or games, and lots of extra time.
• Fastfoodhasbecomeconvenient,easytoeatandmarketedatyouth,mucheasierthanmakingyour
child eat a plate of veggies!
• Researchshows,theages6-13arecrucialyearstoshapechildren’sattitudestowardsphysicalactivity.
• Creatingphysicallyliteratechildrenfrom2-16increasesself-condenceandabilitytoparticipatein
physical activity as adults.
• Itisimportanttomakephysicalactivityandenjoyable,socialregularpartofdailylife.
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Studies have shown that lifestyles learned as children are much more likely to stay with a person into adulthood.
If physical activities are a family priority, they will provide children and parents with a strong foundation for a
lifetime of health.
I believe, everyone has a role to play in reducing childhood obesity and members of the sports and recreation
community, including sports leagues, governing bodies, equipment and manufacturing companies, athletes
and non-profit organisations serving children are uniquely positioned to help children become more physical
active every day. I challenge everyone to imagine Australia a place where all children have an opportunity to
play and be physically active. What would we see? What would we hear? I know I would hear laughter. I know
I would see smiles. I know that there would be real connections among kids. They would also be healthier and
more likely to perform well in school.
To make this vision a reality we need to reduce the barriers to physical activity. We need to look at what
motivates the younger generation and tap into those needs and wants. Unfortunately, today, too few children
have safe places to play after school and on the weekends. We need to work together to build or revitalise
playgrounds and provide safe transportation to play spaces and parks. We need to provide more support
to after-school and weekend programs in the form of new youth sport, dance and exercise programming,
equipment and the right teachers/ instructors.
By working together we can create a generation of children that makes physical activity a part of their lifestyle.
Together we can reduce the barriers to physical activity and inspire kids to be active. I believe if we can change
the habits of one child, we can change a family, we can then change the habits of a community and one day
even change the world!
BENEFITS OF KIDS MOVING:
Active children typically become active grown-ups. By encouraging children and teens to be physically active
in something such as Dancesport, we are helping to set up a healthy lifelong habit.
Benefits of physical activity
Physical activity provides youth with many lasting health benefits, including:
• strongbonesandmuscles
• healthyheart,lungsandarteries
• improvedcoordination,balance,postureandexibility
• areducedriskofbecomingoverweightorobese
• areducedriskoflaterdevelopingheartdisease,canceranddiabetes
Active kids are also more likely to:
• becondentandhaveenhancedself-esteem
Pg 42
• behappyandrelaxed
• sleepwell
• concentrateatschool
• getalongwithothersandmakefriendseasily
• share,taketurnsandcooperate
• feelliketheybelong
WHY DANCE IS THE BEST!
So I may be a little bit biased here
, but I certainly do think that dance can offer great benefits to get
the younger generation moving and physically active. If you have or know kids, you may be wondering, what is
the best way to channel their seemingly boundless energy? While traditional team sports are a good way to get
kids physically active, they may not be right for younger children. Dance classes are a great alternative to team
sports, and most studios offer lessons for children as young as two or three. Participating in dance classes can
be beneficial for kids of all ages.
Dancing is a highly physical activity, and kids who take dance lessons regularly should expect to see a significant
improvement in their overall physical health. According to dance based research, regular dance practice can
increase young people’s flexibility, range of motion, physical strength and stamina. The repetitive movements
involved in dance can improve muscle tone, correct poor posture, increase balance and coordination and
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improve overall cardiovascular health. As we know as adults dancing can be a great form of aerobic exercise,
isn’t that we want for youngsters?
7 REASONS WHY KIDS SHOULD TAKE UP DANCE!
1. Dance class promotes fitness! No matter what style of dance, children will be moving. They will be getting
the necessary exercise needed each day. Studies recommend 60 minutes of exercise each day for children.
The average dance class lasts 45 minutes to an hour. It also gives a good all-around workout. Most dance
classes begin with stretching for flexibility; have some type of cardio section, and then a cool down at the end.
It’s exactly what children need to stay fit!
2. Dance class builds high self-esteem! Dance teachers promote expression, smiling, and reflection. Children
can express themselves through movement. They are constantly asked to smile until it becomes a habit. Finally,
they are constantly given an opportunity to look at themselves in the mirror and learn to present themselves in
a way that is pleasing to themselves.
3. Dance class promotes social development! Dance class lets children move around and communicate with
each other. The entire class works off of one another’s energy and personalities to learn and perform class or
individual dances.
4. Dance teaches discipline! Children who take a dance class or private lesson learn how to control their
energy in their body through technique training.
5. Dance class builds focus! Dance requires much concentration and determination in order to get moves right,
retain choreography, and perform it beautifully.
6. Dance builds good posture! We all know a dancer when we see one.
They have a straight back, shoulders slightly back and their chin up! All
of that comes from years of keeping your head off the floor, pushing your
shoulders back, and making sure we aren’t slouching or hyperextending
our backs.
7. Dance is fun! Overall, the best reason for a child to take dance is
because of the rewarding fun they will have. They will meet new people
in an environment where they are free to express themselves! They get
to move to music and if it is current music they are hooked. WHAT KID
WOULDN’T WANT TO DO THAT?
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WHAT YOUTH WANT & NEED?
Developing a Youth/Children’s focused component whether it be 1:1 lessons or group classes is the same as
with any other business. The key to success is understanding the potential client’s expectations and providing
a service that exceeds those expectations.
With Youth/Child based programs, there is an extra twist; you have to satisfy two sets of clients with very
different needs and wants. One set consists of the true clients- The children/teens, and the other of the
bankrollers- The parents/guardians.
As many of you could identify, often the goals of youth are not the same as the parent’s goals. Parents tend to
enrol their children in sports training or fitness because they want them either to excel in a sport or to lose weight.
In short parents tend to be results orientated, and as you may find Kids, on the other hand may just want to
have fun. While this can be a challenge in this industry, many professionals in this industry agree that the
priority in each case is to meet the needs of the child.
If any of you have children of your own you know that nagging your kids usually gets you nowhere. The same is
what works best for a successful youth bases program. Rather than parents nagging or pushing their children to
exercise I suggest it is important to set the culture for adults to provide positive reinforcement and encouragement.
Children and teens also want to be involved and feel ownership over the programs they are involved in. Many
professionals in this area have noted that they often draw primarily on the child’s input when developing a
youth based sports, dance or fitness program.
Although youth may benefit from programs that resemble those designed for adults. The typical warm up,
followed up by the ‘Activity’ dance training, playing the sport, aerobic conditioning, resistance training and
ending with a cool down-youths wants and needs are different.
“Coaches and Teachers need to understand how children move”(Faigenbaum) From my experience
kids like short bursts of exercise. A continuous program of the same thing will not be successful with kids. With
adults, we tend to focus on physiology. For the child, we need to change the behaviour first and then worry about
physiology. I guess what I am saying is, finding physical activities that the child is good at to make exercise fun
and encourage lifelong healthy habits is more important than focusing on weight loss or improved fitness.
Les Mills International has a strong research partnership with Pennsylvania State University, Auckland University
and most recently Victoria University right here in Australia. Through ongoing research over the past five years,
Les Mills and researchers have identified 5 fundamental factors that separate the ordinary from the outstanding
when it comes to delivering fitness experiences that motivate and inspire young people.
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The research of what youth want and need when it comes to programs is as follows;
1. Make it fun
2. Make me feel like I belong
3. Make it right for my age and stage
4. Give me a sense of achievement
5. Keep me physically and emotionally safe.
It is important to always adopt a youth centred approach when designing, selecting or implementing a Child/
Teen program. Adult programs do not offer the same experiences for youth and will not offer a sustainable
youth market in a dance studio or Dancesport Industry. It has been great to see the governing boards of
Dancesport in Australia taking some great steps forward and trailing new initiatives to get young people falling
in love with dance.
WORKING WITH KIDS OF ALL AGES
It’s always been said to me that working with children and teens is not everyone’s cup of tea and believe me
from being involved in education, dance and youth fitness industries for a number of years I have certainly
seen a few examples of this.
So what I would like to do is really focus on what are the important factors to know about working with children,
and the type of people that can really help to get young people moving.
Firstly it is important to understand the young people we are working with. Personality traits and athletic ability
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combine to influence a child’s attitude towards participation in sports, dance and other physical activities.
Which of these three types best describes the children you know?
NON- ATHLETES: These kids may lack athletic ability, dislike physical activity, or both. By their teens, youth
are aware of these differences and some may have even been teased about them. The danger for them is not
leaving one activity that didn’t work out; it’s abandoning all physical activity altogether.
CASUAL ATHLETES: These kids are interested in being active but aren’t star players, so are at risk of getting
discouraged in a competitive athletic environment. Most kids fall into this category, but in a culture that is
obsessed with winning, it’s easy to overlook them as athletes. Encourage them to remain active even though
they aren’t top performers.
ATHLETES: These kids have athletic ability, are committed to a sport or activity, and are likely to ramp up
practice time and intensity of competition. Some are happily settled in a sport or activity by the older school-
age years. In this case, a parent can continue to support the child’s efforts while still watching for any changes.
It’s important to ensure that athletes manage schoolwork, get enough rest, and still enjoy the sport. It is
important to continue to let these children try out new things and enjoy a variety of physical activities.
Have you always thought about working with children or adolescents, but not sure on what to expect? In
working with both children and teenagers in both educational, dance and fitness I thought a fun way for me
to describe each age group is in the form of different animal characteristics. Children mature at different ages
and their gross motor development also is very different at each stage through childhood and adolescents.
There is an obvious shift of ability in each age demographic. Let’s take a journey of each age group.
0-2 YEAR OLDS: FISH
This age group are like fish they spend all day staring at you, enjoy
repetition (such as swimming around the bowl), Can’t do much on their
own as they don’t have the gross/fine motor skills, think of a fish out
of water when it goes all floppy. This age group like a fish have a short
memory… Let’s think Dory from finding Nemo.
2-3 YEAR OLDS: CAT
Like a cat this age group can be really interested or extremely disinterested.
They are easily distracted & become fixated on one thing. Give them a ball of
yarn and they will play with it for hours. Like a cat they are hard to organise
without their parents.
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4-5 YEAR OLDS: DOG
If you have this age group your view will definitely look like this! Like a
puppy this age group have limited special awareness and are beginning to
become aware of their arms and legs. They are just beginning to understand
boundaries and will want to play with everything. This age will bond with you
really closely, they also have miracle bladders and even though they have
gone to the toilet once they will surely need to go again.
6-7 YEAR OLDS: BUNNY
Cute and fluffy this is the age group you will want to work with. They are like
little sponges and want to learn, like a bunny some children in this age group
can be shy. This age group a very responsive and generally do as you ask.
8-12 YEAR OLDS: HAMSTER
Like a hamster in a running wheel, this age group have lots of energy and want
to keep moving. Hamsters also come in many shapes and sizes and 8-12 year
olds will all look very different picture a 12 year old boy vs 12 year old girl.
Towards the later years of this age group attitude starts to creep in.
13-16 YEAR OLDS: SEAL
This age group love to show off, they copy each other, they’ll pretend to
be a shark just to get attention, and when you’re not watching they’ll steal
your fish.
WHO WORKS BEST WITH KIDS?
We know that kids want to have fun, feel safe and feel like they belong. However, what kind of teacher would
work best with young people to get them to become more physically active? If we look at the diagram on the
next page, it is the 2 lower quadrants of the diagram (Green & Yellow) that work best with children and teens.
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THESE LEADERS ARE OPEN AND PEOPLE ORIENTATED.
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DANCESPORT PROGRAMS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
Within our own Dancesport Industry there are a number of studios and individuals moving forward in leaps and
bounds to get kids moving and physically active. I would like to briefly share a brief overview of 2 successful
programs that are re-engaging kids and leaving sedentary lifestyles behind.
Dancefever Multi Sport teaches organised and curriculum school programmes across Australia and New
Zealand. Our programmes are taught in thousands of Catholic, Public and Independent schools.
The story began in 1999 when Directors, Chris Milburn and Maria Russo, both working in a High School,
identified that students were lacking skills in self-expression, communication, etiquette and social skills. Born
was the Dance programme, which saw shy and quiet students, quickly develop into comfortable and confident
students both in and outside of the classroom. The “fever” spread across the country and the first two schools
that began Dancefever are still participating today.
Dancefever was approached by many schools asking, “We love your dance programme, but do you teach
sport?”. Dancefever was re-branded to become Dancefever Multi Sport, a company which now specialises
in Gymnastics, Athletics, Skipping and Dance programmes. Our programmes are endorsed and accredited
with relevant governing bodies and are taught by PDHPE Teachers, Sport Specific Graduates and Qualified
Instructors.
The stories of Dancefever Multi Sport changing children’s lives continue to grow as the dynamics of our work
spread. Dancefever Multi Sport has become Australia’s fastest growing school provider for the following
reasons: our programmes, our staff, our professionalism and our reputation.
Whether it be dancing as couples or learning sports skills as a team, Dancefever Multi Sport helps children
improve their self-expression, respect, etiquette, school spirit, team work and sportsmanship.
Check out more at: http://www.dancefever.net
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Dance Baby Dance is a school based dance program created
by Andrew Palmer from Palmer’s Dance Studio in Launceston.
Mission Statement
“My aim is to bring the joy of dancing to the lives of young
Tasmanians. I want children to have the opportunity to be
part of a program which develops them both physically and
emotionally, learning to respect one another and enhance
their confidence and self-worth.
This program is designed to encourage school spirit and pride
in what can be achieved in a team environment.”
What it is all about
Dance Baby Dance is a high energy, exciting new dance program specific for primary school age children
designed by Tasmanians for Tassie kids. From kindergarten through to grade six, this program will excite kids
and expose them to the vibrant world of DanceSport.
This is a fun and fast-paced program that not only introduces children to dance, but is also designed to teach
the skills of social interaction in a non-threatening environment.
Dance Baby Dance covers many and varied areas vital to children’s development in their early education years.
Get moving kids- One of our main aims is to get kids up and moving. You don’t have to be the best athlete to
succeed. Our program works on co-ordination, general fitness, rhythm and above all — fun. It’s designed for
all abilities.
Be part of the team- Inclusion is one of the biggest issues facing children today. This program is specifically
designed to tackle this head on using strategies like progressive dancing. Everyone gets to dance and interact
with everyone else. There are no groups, and couples learn that success only comes when a partnership works
together. DBD breaks down the barriers of “click” groups so often found in the school playground.
Check out more at: http://palmersds.com.au
THE LAST WORD
Children are not as physical as they use to be. We know the facts about obesity and sedentary lifestyles, and
this is scary stuff.
Whether it is through innovative Dancesport programs for young people such as DanceFever and Dance Baby
Dance, or through youth exercise programs lets provide a place for children to be safe, active and learn basic
foundation movement skills.
Dancesport is a great platform to engage children and teens into physical activity. Why because there is music!
Dance and Music go hand in hand. Great music is a critical part of the package that encourages children to
return every week, and they won’t come back if it’s not motivating or cool!
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Music is a powerful motivator to get kids moving! One of music’s energizing effects comes from its ability to
engage the body’s sympathetic nervous system.
Furthermore, music is comprised of patterns of sounds that have been shown to affect levels of physical
excitability. A simple increase in the pace of the music youth listen to, for example, can quicken their pulse
and accelerate their breathing, and this can be great for physical exercise and getting young people moving.
Music also affects the co-ordination of activity within and across different parts of the brain. Studies examining
patterns of electrical activity across the brain suggest that synchronization of brain signals is important for
linking perceptual, cognitive and motor processes. DanceSport is movement to music…. We have the perfect
opportunity to engage and motivate the younger demographic!
What I would like to finish by saying is that no matter what form of physical activity it is whether it is dance,
sports or fitness focused, if we get kids of all ages hooked we can provide them with 6 fundamental outcomes;
1) Physical well-being
2) Self-belief
3) A positive view of the World and themselves
4) Have confidence within a positive environment
5) To be ready and able to step up to challenges
6) Learn to grab the opportunities life puts in front of them
ISN’T THAT WHAT WE WANT FOR OUR YOUNG PEOPLE?
References
• AustralianBureauofStatistics.(2009).Children’sParticipationinCulturalandLeisureActivities(No.4901.0).Canberra,Retrievedfromhttp://
www.abs.gov.au
• CommonwealthofAustralia.(2008).2007AustralianNationalChildren’sNutritionandPhysicalActivitySurvey.Canberra,Commonwealthof
Australia. Retrieved from http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/content/66596E8FC68FD1A3CA2574D50027DB86/$File/childrens-nut-
phys-survey.pdf
• DepartmentofHealthandAgeing.(2005).Discussionpaperforthedevelopmentofrecommendationsforchildren’sandyouths’participationin
health promoting physical activity. Canberra, Commonwealth of Australia.
• GrofkD,SigmundE,FromelK,ChmelıkF,NovakovaLokvencovaP.Thecontributionofschoolbreakstotheall-dayphysicalactivityof9-and
10-year-old overweight and non-overweight children. International Journal of Public Health.
• RidgersN,StrattonG,McKenzieT.Reliabilityandvalidityofthesystemforobservingchildren’sactivityandrelationshipsduringplay(SOCARP).
Journal of Physical Activity and Health.
• RobertsonI.Ahindsightperspectiveaboutthefutureofteenagersinphysicalactivity.PhysicalEducationandSport.Adelaide:Departmentof
Education and Training; 2003.
• DepartmentofHealthandAgeing.(2010).PhysicalActivityGuidelines.Retrievedfromhttp://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/
content/health-pubhlth-strateg-phys-act-guidelines
• http://www.dancefever.net/about-dancefever
• http://palmersds.com.au/pds/
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New Professional Couple
Aussies Arkady Bakenov & Rosa Filippello have announced they have made the decision
to join the Professional ranks. After a very successful amateur career on the world circuit
with results including semi nalists at the UK, British, International and WDC World
Championships, they will now be competing as professionals with their rst professional
competition being at the International Championships in London in October.
They will join other fellow Australian Michael & Lauren Hemera who will also compete in
their rst Professional championship at the International.
All of us at TAT Ballroom and the Australian and New zealand dancing community would
like to wish them the very best of luck and we can hopefully look forward to seeing both
couples competing back in Australia one day.
Photo courtesy of Vita M Photography : www.vitamphotos.com
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