Report from New Zealand National Championships by Gary Wilson

50th New Zealand Amateur & Professional Ballroom & Latin American Championships


22-23 July 2000

A Fifty year milestone championship was justifiably dedicated to the founder "JIMMY JAMES" of Wellington. Jimmy passed away a few years ago, but he would have been extremely proud of his niece Virginia Davies who gave the opening dedication which was then followed by a lively performance of "Greek" dancing by the "Hellenic Dancers" of Wellington.

Organisation by Mr. Peter Keen, Mr. Les Lloyd and Miss. Cheryl Stevens of the New Zealand Federation of Dance Teachers was once again superb. The support of a very hard working production team of floor manager, stewards, scrutineers, hosts, lighting technicians & security as well as physiotherapists & masseur made for a very successful championshiop at the "Indian Convention Centre" Wellington.

A negeative for this event was the small size of the competition dance floor and the very cramped table and seating arrangement. Costs for larger venues are extremely high and often need a special floor laid. However the Indian Centre provided a cosy atmosphere and with reduced numbers in each heat overcrowding was reduced a little.

Fabulous music provided by "Magic Dance Music" really set the scene for some good and not so good dancing.

When reviewing my notes and critques, I confirmed my impressions of far too many couples with the following problems

However enthusiasm and creativity was most evident as was pure enjoyument and love of dance. There is talent to burn and fitness levels were high. Couples did create good atmosphere in their dancing.

Being the 50th Jubilee something really special was needed and WOW!! did we get it in the form of international dancers Christopher Hawkins & Hazel Newberry.

Christopher Hawkins & Hazel Newberry.

We have witnessed many, many, fantastic dance shows & demonstrations. Last year we thought that Alan and Donna Shinglers effort was absolutely wonderful. Christopher & Hazels show was overwhelming and words fail me, "brilliant, creative, emotionally disturbing, fantastic, thrilling, ezpansive, crowd pleasing, sensitive moments, exciting" I could go on and on

Using their obvious balletic abilities combined with the ballroom dance of today and the courtly dance forms of over a century ago made for a varied show of Waltzes, Tango, Quirckstep and Foxtrot. The slow, slow, slow Foxtrot was one which held the audience "spellbound"

Notable performances during the Championships were,