If you would like to comment on the dances, format, events or any other feature of the Over 50s Club, we have a general forum for your use. Here you can post your suggestion, gripe, accolade or other matter. If you do not have a computer, or do not wish to post a comment you can also put your comment in the suggestion box or tell a committee member.
Your ideas on how we can improve the format could well assist the committee in providing features that make the dance more enjoyable for everyone. By posting on a Forum, other members will have the chance to consider your suggestion. Where initiatives have popular support, the committee may introduce these changes on a trial basis.
Please note, we reserve the right not to publish the post if the administrator/committee considers the remarks could be offensive or may be in breach of copyright. We require a name and email address for posting, but we will on no account publish or disclose your email address to third parties.
Charles Todd Webmaster
For replying to an existing post, please click “REPLY” To start a new thread please post under “LEAVE A REPLY”.
A member has pointed out that the “Leave A Reply” area is at the bottom of the forum page which requires the reader to scroll through all the comments in order to start a new thread. My apologies for this, but after careful consideration and discussion with The President we have decided not to make changes at this stage.
Hi from Sydney I would be very surprised if Pat was incorrect regarding Empress Tango .In Sydney ,many dances are taught with different steps to Perth .Here some teachers change steps to suit social dancers .My attitude is WHEN IN ROME . Check Google for Facination Waltz . Please keep in touch .KEVIN LAW
Hi from Sydney I still believe the over 50s is the best social social I know & is one reason I make the effort to visit Perth .Ilove the classes, the music, the dance choices & of course all the lovely ladies .I am enthusiastic about the National Anthem being sung .Australian dont sing it often enough . Please keep in touch .KEVIN LAW
Hello every friendly dancers.
I began to learn ballroom dance at the club two years ago with very little knowledge and experience.
So I very struggled to get the level of club member’s but also enjoyed easy dances with open friendly people and atmosphere in this club. So far, most difficult dances for me are Slow foxtrot & Quick step . I avoided to learn them.
Surprisingly I found a beautiful Foxtrot floor show in YouTube with Japanese melody danced by Luca&Loraine Baricchi.
So elegant beautiful dance with relaxing music .
I love this melody as a Japanese ,now enjoying some New Vogue foxtrot dance practice with this song.
DanceWebsite ; Youtube.com/watch?v=1gqeik74u7k
Composer& Player ; COBA( japanese accordionist )
Song title is “Past Eternal Days” in English .Sugisarishi Eienn no Hibi in Japanese .
Thank you to everyone for helping and giving me your hands to dance.
Hi
Just like to wish everyone a very safe and peaceful festive season
And happy dancing in 2016
Eric
Here is some information on the RESEARCH PROJECT FOR DANCERS AT CURTIN UNIVERSITY
The project requires participants in the age range of 50 or over.
It will be a comparison of ballroom dancers with a similar age group of cyclists.
Since dancing involves more cognitive function, memorisation etc, than cycling, the test is to see whether dancers outperform cyclists and similar exercisers on brain function.
The tests use magnetic brain stimulation to test muscle function. There is also a balance test and a simple test of brain function.
The researcher, Dr Andrew Lavender is looking for volunteers for the test.
You will not only learn something about yourself; you will contribute to knowledge in this field since this particular thing has not been tested before.
We all like to think that dancing gives a physical and mental advantage, BUT IS IT TRUE? WE NEED THE PROOF!
I have copies of the Proposal Document.
You can email me, dezyoung@gmail.com and I can send you a copy of the proposal document or you can contact Dr Lavender directly.
Contact details for Dr Andrew Lavender are as follows:
Telephone 9266 3678 Email Andrew.Lavender@curtin.edu.au
I urge you to take part in this project to make it a success.
We can expect it to provide publicity and it will be very useful if our Club can be seen to be involved.
Des Young
Hi everyone
My name is Helen and I’m a fairly new addition to the club. The “have a go day” was my first experience of dancing at an event like this and I went along with a few reservations about dancing in public.
Everyone at the function made me feel most welcome and my fears were unfounded. Two other people have posted on the forum about the very positive feeling that this event engendered. One spoke about the “contagious enthusiasm” surrounding our stand and the way this encouraged people outside our club to join us on the dance floor.
What a great day and I would like to congratulate all involved, Francis for his great music, Marrilyn for her dancing program, all the committee and helpers, Robert and his videos and the photographers. Last and certainly not least, our President John for coordinating the day.
Looking forward to seeing the videos and pictures of the event.
Helen
As moderator, being able to put up our President’s post on the encouraging success of the Club’s “Haveagoday” venture was extremely satisfying. This was the best promotion day for the Over 50’s that I have attended.
The Club members who participated did so with a contagious enthusiasm which pervaded the event and was probably the reason that quite a number of the audience joined us on the floor for a dance. Success certainly breeds success.
All involved thoroughly deserve our President’s congratulations, but a very special gong is also deserved by the President himself for organising the event.
Good Morning Members,
What a fantastic day it was at the Haveagoday at Burswood yesterday.Our members have done it again and given their best effort to make the day the great success that it turned out to be. When I put out the request for volunteers to dance on the day we required six couples for each bracket. Well that was quickly filled but the surprising thing was for each bracket we had up to a dozen couples on the floor all enjoying themselves. Fortunately we had a larger floor this year and able to accommodate everyone. The whole event was masterfully compered by Francis King and as a consequence everything ran very smoothly. To Francis, huge accolades and my deep appreciation for a job well done. Thank you, Francis.
To Robert, for his assistance with videoing the occasion and also supplying the video, a very big thank you. Very much appreciated.
Not forgetting the dancers, a very big thank you to all of you for your performance and I might add the ambiance and atmosphere around our end of the pavilion made it a very pleasant day.
I think it was a great day of promotion for our club and I was able to hand out about eighty flyers which were prepared by Charles. Thank you Charles.
In conclusion, a great day out and very successful. Thank you again, to everyone, for you contribution.
John Kember
President
As membership secretary may I report that it is extremely pleasing to see that there has been an addition of 10 new members to our club since September, 2015. May I give a huge and very warm welcome on behalf of Over 50’s Ballroom Dancing Club to Anne and Robert, Irene, Bob, Kerry and Dennis, Richard, Marlene, and Colleen and Barry. I trust that you will enjoy participating in the social dancing and meet many new friends.
Deb Sharp
Thanks for your comment Jim and I’m sure the committee appreciate your thanks for all their hard work. Many of our other correspondents to the Forum have also recognised their work and these accolades are well deserved.
You are correct that the spelling “Segway” refers to the two wheeled people mover commonly seen in Fremantle.
The correct spelling for the word used in the sense of a series of different dances is “Segue” from Latin “Segui” to follow.
Our dance coordinator cleverly avoided this issue by calling the bracket a “Medley” !!!
Kind Regards
Webmaster
I would like to thank the committee for all their hard work.
I have just read through the past letters and would like offer a few comments
I find it a bit old fashioned to have the National Anthem played, but I am all for maintaining the old traditions.
I was MOST interested to read that we were introducing Segway dances, I thought this would be a wonderful idea as it is getting harder to stay on the floor for many dances now………….But I thought the Segway was one of those 2 wheel contraptions that you could manoeuvre along footpaths etc.
regards Jim
Thank you Marrilyn. I understand your problem. May I add to the trivia of dance knowledge that this dance is of historic interest to Sequence dancers. It is almost 100 years old, it is the first tango to be danced in sequence, it is the first tango to be allowed entry into a major competition, and the first to win a major competition (Blackpool festival 1922).
It is accepted that over the years there have been a number of variations of the dance. However I feel the original format of the dance should be retained ” for auld Lang syne” .
Kindest regards
Don.
Competition and Medal dances are different form our social dances. Having achieved 9 medals myself, I remember all to well, the Pride of Erin dance for a Medal, it was different from the Pride of Erin we dance socially ie more fancy . If you look at some of the competition dances that are around, you may see that they are different from what we do. I would hazard a guess that the Fascination Waltz, competition wise, is also nothing like our social dance either. Its also possible this applies to your Royal Empress Tango dilemma, many social dances are danced different from the competition ones, so I would say there are two scripts. Hope this is of some help Don, But to get an expert opinion, you should ask Pat Taylor, I am sure she would be very happy to answer questions or doubts you may have.
Also, I would see the Glengarry Swing introduced into the over 50s in the progressive form only. It can be used instead of the Barn Dance, it could cheer members up because of the clapping of hands etc etc. It would create the interaction needed to get people talking etc, a fun or party dance you could say. Maybe we need more fun/party dances to liven things up? I would like to see it at Have a Go Day also, it would appear to the general public that we are having fun, aren’t we? By the way I am playing the music, so come along one and all and help to promote our club, we need more new members especially men don’t we?
Cheers.
Hi Don
My apoligies for the late reply.
Our plan for dancing lessons for the next few months has already been posted. These cannot easily be changed as the lessons are reflected in the dance programs which have already been finalised.
Thank you for your suggestion, which will be considered at a later date.
Kind Regards
Marrilyn
I can’t remember when Pat Taylor last taught the Royal Empress Tango, but I would ask that she might teach it again very soon. I have danced this very simple tango quite often over the past few years. Today I was surprised to be told by a Ballroom dance teacher(who regularly attends the o50s dances) that I wasn’t dancing it correctly. At first I thought that he must be wrong as I dance it the same as everyone else in the club. Fortunately I kept silent and checked the script to learn that he is correct. I have been,unwittingly, following the herd down the wrong paths. It’s a simple dance and perhaps Pat could devote one lesson to demonstrate how it should be danced.
In Memory !!
I am not sure if this is the place for what I am about to say or not, but I will give it a try. I have been friends with Roy Scott for over four years, we sat at Saturday Dances and talked just about anything. Talking to Roy was easy as he was a good listener and he gave common sense answers. We got on very well as you can imagine.
The bad news is he took sick some months ago, and he was told he had Leukemia. He had his ups and downs and was in and out of Hospital He lost a lot of weight and after a time looked like death warmed up. I saw him on Friday 11th September in hospital, shook his hand and gave him a big hug. I said do not get to fond of me as Gay Marriage was almost legal. After about 30 minutes or so I left, saying I will see you Monday.
Saturday night around midnight I received a phone call to say Roy had passed away 1 pm that day. I do not make friends easily, neither do I have a lot of friends, When I have a friend I have for life, I never forget my real friends. I will miss him in the weeks and months to come, and only time will ease the pain
To Charles and Des
Thank you for your kind comments. There was no harm or damage done by Des and Linda raising the issue of the Anthem. All credit should go to them for being so gracious in defeat. My biggest fear was the potential for the issue to become divisive within the club. I should not have worried about that because we have such a wonderful group of people. I now know that would not have happened.
So let us rejoice in our club with business as usual. That is enjoying the company of each other, socializing, dancing, and friendship with all the benefits of belonging to such a great club as ours.
Best wishes, everyone.
John Kember
Thanks Des for an excellent post, I also thought this contentious and emotive event was extremely well handled by our President. Another point of agreement is that we have an outstanding committee who seamlessly organised our dances and special events last year. They have supported me with the website project since its inception.
Our Dance Coordinator, Marrilyn, took over the administration of the website while I was overseas and stood in as Treasurer for Frank while continuing to produce a great dance program each week. We can, indeed, be optimistic about the new club year.
Charles Todd
This is just a note of appreciation to John, our President for the skilful and even handed way he dealt with the motion moved by me and seconded by Linda Napier. The matter raised was probably unexpected by most of the members, maybe even contentious to some. The Club AGM was not the time or place for a lengthy discussion on the philosophy underlying our action and it is possible, even likely, that many members did not understand why we raised such a matter. There was a risk that some would even be annoyed thinking it was wrong to challenge the observance of the Anthem at our dances.
John managed the situation so well that there was no ill feeling at all throughout the meeting; in fact there was an attitude of good humour throughout. Thank you, John.
One other thing. It is noteworthy that the entire Committee was willing to stand again for the posts they have held. It is a sign that they are working well together and despite the workload are gaining satisfaction from what they are doing.
The Club has made considerable progress in the last year in its control of finance, its dance program and in the general running of the organisation. I think we can be very optimistic about the new year.
Please keep the national anthem, I sing it with gusto every week, it is indeed a privilege to be able to show our commitment to this great country.
By the way, hearing the national anthem of my country of birth, still brings a tear to my eyes after being here for 47 years
Keep it, please
Thank you to all who posted your comments on the topic of “Should We or Should We Not” play the National Anthem at our weekly dances. It is very much a personal choice on how each of us feels.
As one would expect there has been a very diverse range of opinions and feelings on the subject and each one of us is entitled to that.
If you are interested or seeking advice and guidance in how the government would like to have the National Anthems usage applied I refer you the website http://www.itsanhonour.gov.au/symbols/anthem.cfm#significance
It is a very comprehensive and informative site and sets out in a clear manner such issues as who can use the Anthem, when it can be played,its history,symbolism,lyrics and tune, commercial use, copyrights and protocols to be observed.
This site should help you to make an informed choice in your decision, no matter which you decide upon in your vote.
Thank you.
The National Anthem is great! All countries and nations have one to symbolise the unity, loyalty and patriotism of its citizens. Personally I feel it is very appropriate that it be played and sung at all national and international functions and events, but it is not necessary at a weekly social dance for seniors. Does any other social dances in Perth do it? Answer is No (to my knowledge). We come to the Over 50s to enjoy the dances, Arthur’s great music and to socialise with friends. Does one need to feel loyal and patriotic as well to come to a weekly social dance? I full support Reg Johnson’s suggestion to play the National Anthem only at the Annual Ball which is a very befitting occasion. Cheers.
Well it looks as if no one believes as I do. I took the oath of allegiance when I became a citizen of Australia, the national anthem became my anthem. To me personally, I feel very proud to sing the anthem anywhere.
I also will abide by the majority decision.
Advance Australia Fair
David Stride
Interesting comments indeed, Well, I’ll have my threepence worth (Francis has already spent twopence) I personally think
the anthem is not needed every week, but, I think a better way would be to have it at each of the yearly Balls, because THAT
is special.
Why our dance is deemed important enough to sing the national anthem every dance day is a mystery.
I have attended many social functions around Western Australia over the years including dancing, tennis, table tennis and bridge. None of these had a weekly playing of the National Anthem.
Wow, what a surprise to find a conversation on the National Anthem at the dances. I guess I have to have my twopence worth as well. hahaha. I remember some years back a female member came up to me and said , “:how come you do not sing the National Anthem” I said I did not know the words, at the time as we had just changed from the previous one. I also noticed that I was not the only one who did not sing, but I happened to be singled out. I also said I do not like to sing in public, and if I could really sing I would not be a Ballroom Dancer. hahaha.
They sing it at the footy as well, hmmm ok they have between 60,000 to 90,000o people attending, a big event you might say, good chance to introduce the National Anthem to the new migrants ? Maybe they should only sing it at the Grand Final , and we sing it only at our Annual Ball?? We are lucky to get 120, I am all for big events yes but not small ones like ours. As for patriotism I do not think it is necessary to sing the National Anthem at every dance to prove we are patriotic, we all know we are.
Last but not least, being the first secretary (3 years) of the Finch Society of WA as well as one of the founding members, I have learned how to resolve some problems, only if one feels passionate enough to do so. If my memory serves me well, correct me if I am wrong, it does not say anywhere in the Constitution that we must play the National Anthem, before a dance. Therefore the decision was made at Committee level, and it can be changed. After three years on the Committee I have noticed that whatever decision was made can be changed by the next Committee, nothing is set in concrete. So your choice is as follows; find 4 members and yourself, who feel the way you do, “no National Anthem” serve on the next Committee and change the rule, you have the numbers. Like Charles Todd, I will go along with the decision made.
Thanks Linda for your comment. I believe that the Over 50’s is a relevant club to have the Australian National Anthem sang before the start of dancing. The fact is that we have had the anthem sung for years now and only one person has ever been so disrespectful as to walk out of the ballroom before the anthem and returns when it is over. to my knowledge, no-one else has ever complained.
I don’t think that your suggestion would be acceptable. the Australian National Anthem is one song that binds all Australian citizens together. The 3 minutes that it takes to sing it, does not interfere with anything.
I believe that most of the members already have pride in our club and standing to sing our national anthem, more or less proves it.
David Stride
I’ve read with great interest the discussion about whether or not to play the national anthem at our weekly dances. All three views seem very reasonable to me: the anthem is an important symbol encouraged by official government channels to be played at important times, events or large gatherings for the purpose of displaying patriotism. I don’t believe our small recreational venues and club with no stated ceremonial significance reflect the usual conditions attached to playing the anthem. There are many formal and relevant locations which provide a more fitting opportunity for patrons to engage in patriotic display.
I’d like to suggest that in its place a suitable piece of music be chosen to represent the club. It could reflect the club’s unique character and encourage members and non-members alike to identify with it. The signature tune would herald the beginning of each dance and contribute to members’ sense of community and pride in our club.
Thank you, Linda Napier
Thank you both for your reply’s.First I would say that I don’t think of the over fifties as a trivial event and there are many comments on the net that state that it is important for Australians to sing the Australian Anthem, they are there if you look for them. To Des Young’s comment about ( ” it doesn’t have anything to do with dancing”) Well I go to the local football which isn’t a major event, but the national anthem is sung and every body stands for it. Although the anthem has nothing to do with football, nobody complains and nobody leaves the ground and comes back when the anthem has been sung, I’m sure that every one present would find that very disrespectful. It has more to do with bonding the very diverse Australian community.
I have only ever in my life, met one person who has told me to my face that he hates the Australian National Anthem, I look forward to the discussion.
David Stride
We have two posts on our forum concerning the issue of playing the National Anthem at our dances, despite being opposing views both make cogent points.
May I add to these posts writing personally as a club member and not as webmaster or moderator?
In my opinion, David Stride has hit the nail on the head when he says the Anthem should be treated with respect and dignity.
How many of us have stood shoulder to shoulder at a major event singing the Anthem both spontaneously and enthusiastically thus showing support for our country, the anthem and the event? The rendition engenders great pride and unity for those of us who truly love this great country and wish to voice our support. For me, this is “treating the Anthem with respect and dignity”.
When this is translated to a fairly small number of people singing our National Anthem at a relatively minor event I have a problem understanding the efficacy of the exercise. Is singing the Anthem at our local dance appropriate or even relevant?
Des Young wrote in his post: “It is just that it doesn’t have anything to do with dancing”.
While researching the subject, I came across a comment where the writer suggested that playing the anthem at minor events may actually trivialise an important National symbol of Australia. My leaning is towards this writer, but as a lifelong believer in democracy, I will accept a majority verdict.
Charles Todd
Something near my heart.
The Australian National Anthem is an important national symbol of Australia and should be treated with respect and dignity. All Australians are encouraged to sing the Australian National Anthem.
David Stride
At the forthcoming AGM there will be an item on the Agenda concerning whether or not we should continue to observe the National Anthem at our weekly dances.
Personally I think we should not. I have never understood why we have it in the first place.
It is not a question of loyalty to the country or patriotism or anything of that nature.
It is just that it doesn’t have anything to do with dancing.
If indeed there is a good reason I would be interested to see what it is.
It is very pleasing that we have recently had some new dances taught by Pat Taylor. However after a gap of a few weeks some of us can have a memory lapse when they appear on the program. It would also be a great help to our new members now that, at last, we have some. We should look after them and make their progress as easy as possible.
We could use the time from the finish of the lesson to the start of the programmed dances to have an experienced dancer do a Walk Through of such recently learned dances. This would be possible if we can include the time currently taken by the Anthem.
From Robert Herbu
Hi Charles,
I think you’ve started something here…
Your photos are great. Although the lighting didn’t do them much justice on the big screen last Thursday I must admit we felt good re-living the moment. For my contribution I only have one photo to share but I hope other members are encouraged to send theirs in, too.
It’s an excellent way of getting the members involved.
Regards,
Robert
Members have expressed views concerning playing different tunes for the dances, however there is a time factor. Previously, the Bands could play songs for two to two and a half minutes, but we now use CD’s. The problem with this is that most tracks of music go for three and up to four minutes. If a DJ is to fit all the dances in, he has to stay clear of music over three and a half minutes if possible. Time is a big factor in playing music at the Over 50s, the DJ is boxed into a time limit.
As an example the President can blow out a DJs time by extending his address to the members, or creating a break to say something. My approach was to help the DJs (as I am one myself) by bringing the dances down from twenty to eighteen, hoping the time saved would have gone to the DJ. Unfortunately, the committee of the day decided to extend the break by an extra five minutes, which was not my intention.
What I propose is (and I know what I am talking about) to play only one track of music three minutes fifty and over for a dance, call it as two dances if you like , but no stopping. In this way we would get to play the many tracks of music, that we never touch. Some of these tracks have the old songs that most members know, for example “Its a long way to Tipperary”, “Pack up your troubles in your old kit bag”, etc etc. Please also try to keep in mind that most CDs we buy to-day have such long tracks. If I have four hundred CDs, there maybe only two or two fifty CDs that I can use, as the most of the music on the others is to long.
We are limited in what we can play because of the time factor. There are tracks of music that we never play, even though you may like them. Should you not understand this, I would be happy to explain further at our dances. Last but not least some of the songs members said they liked, could fit into the “too long bracket”.
Francis King. (ex Dance coordinator for the over 50’s)
Many thanks to all who posted their comments about the ball. We appreciate your thoughts and feedback on the day. How rewarding for myself and all the committee and our great team of helpers that you all seemed to enjoy the event and there are many things that we can learn from this for next years planning. For my part, to hear so many positive comments on the day was certainly most gratifying. We look forward to next year with anticipation and bigger and better things to come. Again, I thank everyone for their support during the whole period leading up to and including the day.
Dear President John and Committee,
Bernadette and myself very much enjoyed the ball at cannington, great venue, plenty of parking, and the best catering ever!
Music a little dreary sometimes, but on the whole, a very nice place hopefully for the Xmas ball and all future balls. Many thank
again to the hard working teams who do a fantastic job.
Best Regards
Reg and Bernadette
Dear Mr. President and your Excellent Team,
I would like to add to your list of well wishers and congratulations that have been received on the great success of this year’s Annual Ball. It was indeed a GREAT SUCCESS – Your choice of the venue was excellent with plenty of dancing floor space for everyone. The table arrangements were comfortable enabling easy access onto the dance floor. The music could have been a little livelier, oops sorry! The afternoon tea was a good selection and yummy. Parking was convenient and easy. Everyone seemed very happy dancing and enjoying themselves. We hope you can consider using the same venue again for our future functions and maybe include a floor show to highlight the occasion.
Best Regards and Good Wishes
We have had considerable feedback about the ball via word of mouth, sms and comments on the forum. The organisers appear to have struck a very popular balance since all the comments to date have been positive. (webmaster)
Phay Elviry asked me to post this short note.
Thank you for all your efforts organising a fantastic ball for the Over 50’s. The hall was great and I loved the atmosphere – can’t wait until next year.
We had a lovely email from Peta Bowker-Douglas (who runs the dance at the Dalkeith Hall) about the ball.
Dear John…what a lovely afternoon. Big happy crowd, yummy afternoon tea….everything most successful.
Well done Mr President, the committee and all who helped to make the event such a success. !!
I am sorry I was unable to dance owing to my treacherous hip… but I came home happy and quite exhausted from lots of talking and smiling.
So many in the room I have known for at least twenty years. Its amazing how some of them age so little…so many no longer young but still dancing, a wonderful example to everyone.
I had thought of staying home today knowing I would not dance, but I sincerely wanted to show you my support and to see old friends….and I am so glad I made that decision…” get up, get dressed, get out” !!…no matter what !
That was so nice of you John to mention me and Dalkeith…what a dear man you are. Thank you for that.. you made my day, in spite of not dancing. You are such a true gentleman.
See you soon…and once again thank you so much for everything today. I am sure everyone had a wonderful time.
You should go to bed tonight feeling very pleased with yourself.
Love Peta
Thank you, Ro for your compliments. I am so glad that you enjoyed the day and I hope everyone else did as well. It is a great venue and if we can get some consensus I would hope to hold it there next year as well. The beauty of it is that we will have room for expansion. As you rightly said in your post your compliments go to the committee and helpers as well and I would like to endorse that too for we could not have achieved what we did without them. However I will go one step further and congratulate you, the members, for your support by being there and enjoying yourselves. That is after all our raison de etre.
We will have a post review of the event and see where we can improve and also iron out any little glitches.
I also invite our members to give us their views and critique so we can take them into account as well for our future planning.
John Kember
Congratulations John and the Committee for a most successful and enjoyable Ball today. The venue was a really good choice and being a different venue made the day feel special. The hall was nice and warm inside and had a good floor for dancing. There was ample parking and the catering was excellent. How nice to have the tables to sit at and still leave plenty of space for dancing.
Please accept my thanks to the President, the Committee, all the Helpers and the DJ’s for an afternoon to remember.
Thanks Deb,
I enjoy dancing. I had never seen ballroom dancing before David brought me here, now it seem to be growing on me. David helps me a lot. I hope one day i will be able dance well like you.
Have a nice day.
Dao Nguyen
A big welcome to Dao. It is a pleasure to see that you are getting to learn the dances so well. Congratulations to you for persevering. I am sure that when you learn some more dances that you will be able to relax and enjoy dancing a bit more
Hi Reg,
I wish I knew. Do you have any idea?
Good comment, Des . When we first start learning we tend to try to be ahead to have a little credit in the bank in case we make a mistake and so not get behind so much . However it is always easier to catch up with the beat than it is slow down to match it. So the the solution is to relax a little bit more and not worry too much about getting behind and you will find that you be better and enjoy your dancing more.
Thank you David for a very positive comment. The committee will no doubt be encouraged by more feedback clearly endorsing their efforts to introduce changes that have the popular support of members. Our current dancing teacher, Pat Taylor, is a true professional and I’m sure many of our club members who have been taught by Pat (ably assisted by Mike) would endorse your opinion of “quality teaching”.
Kind regards
Moderator.
I would like to add my voice to the growing number of members of the ofbdc who are happy with the changes that are happening in our club. I believe that gradual change is a good thing for the club, but on the other hand, changing to much to quickly could have a negative effect on some of our members.
Like many others, I have a hearing impediment and don’t usually hear the beat of the music, I compensate for that by singing or humming the tune to myself to keep in time.
My lovely wife Dao is very new to western music and until only a few months ago had never seen ballroom dancing, it amazes me how quickly she is learning to dance.
I think that one of the main reasons for that is the quality teaching by Pat and Mike.
As an ex primary school teacher in Vietnam, Dao has that ability to learn new things. Now that Dao has been introduced to dancing, she really enjoys it and appreciates the warm and friendly people of our club.
I believe these are all pieces of music Arthur already has in his collection and it may be time to re use them. One very nice peice I haven’t heard for a while is: ‘Fields of Gold’.
Since we are only social dancers we need a strong clear main beat to keep us on time. After that it is up to us to stay with the beat. Some respond to the music better than others.
When I find I have got myself out of time I feel that something is wrong; it is very uncomfortable and I am forced to get back in time.
We do have some dancers who dance with little regard for the beat. The pleasure of dancing comes from the movement synchronised with the partner and with the music.
Usually when we are out of time it is due to stepping ahead of the beat. This commonly happens when we are learning a new sequence and find it hard to concentrate simultaneously on the music, the partner and the sequence.
The professionals tell us to step after we have heard the beat, in other words, slightly after the beat.
That takes practice but is worth learning.
Thank you Webmaster,
Narrow the field a little, let me see now, but this is some music that I personally like for Waltz’s, and it would be nice if dancers could send in theirs also. So here’s mine: I Dreamed a Dream, I Will Always Love You, A Moment In Time, Imagine, Can’t Help Falling In Love.
Some of these have already been played, (seldom) and some I have requested, and been played. (seldom)
I miss them all.
Regard
Reg
Hi Reg
We appreciate members taking the time to comment on the club’s forum. On the matter of the declining membership, this is exactly the reason the committee asked me to write a website promoting the club and our activities. The website has now been published for three months and despite a large increase in the number of people visiting the site, this activity has not caused a noticeable increase in membership to date.
However, I believe we have a very good committee who are working as one on this problem: we are encouraged by the feedback and ideas from members and also the positive feedback from the initiatives already introduced. The transition will take time, but hopefully, we are on the right path.
On your comment concerning using music post 1960, this is a very nebulous area. According to the ISRC statistics (international sound recording code) there are over 1 million songs recorded each year. In addition to this, peoples perception of what is “good” music varies widely. While your post may well invite further comment, I think we need to considerably narrow down this field.
Regards- Moderator and Webmaster
Hello everyone
Could we have more modern music, like from the 60s onward, especially for the waltz’s, There’s so many lovely tunes out there to pick from.
Also – I wonder why only approx. 110 people come to the dance now, instead of 160? any thoughts on that?
Reg
Thank you for this important and worthwhile post Lily. The shortage of men at ballroom dances is well documented. Quite clearly to ameliorate this problem we all need to accept that this issue is very real and unite to find a solution. From my own observations, several men with partners are “sharing” themselves more at our dances. Hopefully, by keeping the matter in the spotlight we can make further inroads.
Webmaster
Congratulations, at last a website has happened; a refreshing change and a step forward for the Over 50s. Thanks to Charles for your patience, persistence and hard work and also to Marilyn for helping to put the website together. We now have a source where we can check out the weekly dance program as well as other information.
All members (old and new), including visitors should now be aware of its existence as President John Kember has announced it weekly. Another suggestion is to consider fixing a banner showing the website in front of the DJ’s table.
I am also taking further a comment raised earlier by one of the members that some ladies members (old/new) who come on their own without a partner and sitting for most of the time without being asked for a dance. It is quite discouraging and they may decide not to come again. Sadly, statistics have shown there is a shortage of male dances at all dance venues. On “Have a Go Day”, at Burswood in October 2014, the President tried to encourage more male members to join by offering (6) free lessons as an incentive. The response did not seem encouraging and ladies were more interested.
I often sit out a few dances myself and encourage my partner to dance a couple of dances with single ladies, especially the new ones so that they feel welcome and would like to come back again. In appreciation and as a gesture of courtesy, a “thank you” from the lady would be nice for the wife/partner who had sacrificed her male partner to dance with her. It will be good if more men can volunteer to dance a couple of dances with the single ladies (with agreement from their wives/partners, of course that they do not mind), instead of the same few men always doing it.
We all come to the Over 50s to enjoy the dancing/music and company of our friends, so let us all give each other a smile and say hello whenever we can. A smile and hello cost nothing and you get one back in return.
Thanks Merle for your comment. Our feedback so far is that this initiative has popular support and received an ovation at the end of the first trial in today’s program which appeared to be accepted seamlessly. The segue was proposed by one of our members and we are keen to involve members in the development of the Over 50’s to make dancing with us an enjoyable experience. All your many friends here hope that your foot injury improves soon and you will be back dancing with us again.
Regards
Marrilyn – Dance Coordinator.
Hi everyone I would like to thank Chas and Marilyn for their time and efforts in making this website available to all.
Unfortunately I have not been able to attend the dance every week like I used to , due to an ongoing problem with my foot, but I am there in spirit and always have the clubs best interests at heart, therefore i would also like to say I am delighted that you are going to include a Segway in the program as it makes one think quickly about what to do next and that can only be a good thing for the memory aspect, and after a few times of dancing the Segway it becomes easier for anyone who is concerned because their older or new to dancing.
Ro, You will be pleased to know that at the meeting today it was decided to trial your suggestion of a Segway beginning next week. This will be trialled on alternate fortnights. We appreciate suggestions and feedback from members and do what we can to make the dance more enjoyable. Marrilyn
Thanks Ro. Since becoming Dance Coordinator I have been working at introducing other dances and changing the dance format to establish whether we can make a more popular program/format for our existing members and to attract new members. The committee and I welcome suggestions from members to assist us in our quest. As dance coordinator, I will bring this matter up at the committee meeting this week. We would also like to hear from other members regarding this suggestion, preferably by posting a reply here or by the suggestion box/contact a committee member.
Regards – Marrilyn Spencer Dance Coordinator.
Congratulations on the new webpage and how convenient to have a forum to enable us to make suggestions so easily.
I would like to suggest that we include a medley (or segway) of waltzes or of foxtrots – perhaps alternate waltzes & foxtrots each week. Other dance venues include these and they seem to be very popular.
From the President
Hi Francis, thanks for the post, including the compliments, I hope you have a great time in Asia.
The instructions on the Forum do not currently preclude anybody from making a comment, therefore they do not need to have a member number. Your point is taken that some people may not want their name published and perhaps the committee could consider this change. However, asking for some identification is a common practice in forums although many allow a pseudonym for posts. We all accept that there are areas where improvements could be made and appreciate anyone making relevant comments and forwarding their suggestion. The whole committee have made a terrific effort to seriously look at areas where we can make our dancing experience more enjoyable and hopefully, ultimately attract new members.
We need to encourage people to make valid comments on how the club can be improved and could possibly agree for people to make a comment or suggestion and have their name withheld if they wish.
Well done to everyone involved in this website, the more information we have out there the better, it was long overdue.
I would like to hear a comment or comments on my next suggestions. We have had a suggestion box for many years but it is seldom used. I think people in general do not like to write a suggestion/ complaint. Be it their writing . spelling or the fact you will know who they are, they will not write a letter of suggestion/complaint. Further more the idea of adding your member number has passed it used by date, hahaha.
I would like to propose that if anybody has something to say they can do it here, again they may not like to add their name, so what? All members and non members views are important. Why should anybody have to be a member to make a suggestion?? Maybe a new member would like to see changes made before the join up. Also I would like to see all committee members given a small note book, and for those members who do not have a computer, can let their views be known to a committee member. They in turn can write it down and bring it up at the next committee meeting. If they wish to give or have their name added fine ,if not it should not matter. We need to open areas of debate/suggestions and complaints, without making it to difficult or embarrassing to do so.
Last but not least, while I do not always see eye to eye with John, I would like to commend him on his efforts to dance with different ladies. I admit he cannot do it alone, but he gives it a good try. I also have danced with other ladies as you may have noticed. If every male married and otherwise dances just one dance with a different lady, maybe just maybe there will be less ladies sitting out for long periods. From a woman’s point of view there is nothing worse than getting all dressed up for a dance and sitting there for two hours or more, how about it fellas?? I am off to Vietnam and Thailand for 7 weeks, as people are complaining, that I need new clothes, hahaha. Happy Easter and Happy Dancing to all.
Francis King.
From the webmaster
Sincere thanks to Des for an extremely worthwhile post and to the President for a very good reply.
As a club we need to quickly address negative issues that may be of concern if the club is to move forward. Basically, to attract new members the format itself must be attractive for the newcomers as well as our existing members.
A much more difficult issue to resolve is the shortage of male dancers mentioned by the president. As he points out, many other dancing clubs in Australia have this problem.
To find some reasons for the shortage of men, I looked at some data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. (ABS)
Only 6 people (of all ages) in 1000 participate in all forms of dancing in Australia (including ballet, line dancing etc.). Obviously the figure for Seniors Ballroom dancing would be much lower than this. More alarmingly, the ABS found that 82.8% of participants in dancing are women. No wonder there is a shortage of men!
The most disappointing fact is that ballroom dancing has been shown to have great physical, mental and social benefits. There is the possibility that ballroom dancing would undergo some kind of renaissance if more men could be encouraged to dance.
We would love more comments from members about these issues or other issues of concern
Thank you Des for your comments and suggestions. You make some very valid points and I concur with you completely. We all want our club to be a happy place and enjoy each others company. At the same time we would like to increase our membership. When we attract a visitor it means they are interested or looking for something to happen in their life . It is up to us as a club collectively and individually to capitalise on that situation and make them welcome and also to feel at ease. We all know how much courage it takes to take the first step, so to speak, and especially that dancing step.
May I also touch on the other ongoing problem that we share with other clubs and that is the shortage of Male dancers. Be assured Ladies, I am forever conscious of the situation and constantly trying to address it. My observation is that more men are sharing themselves among the ladies and I appreciate that. We may never fix this situation completely but we hope to make some significant difference .
With regard to your reference concerning other members comments, we do want to know what they think and we want them to tell us either through the website forum or, if no access to a computer, through the suggestion box. Only through communication can we deliver the changes that needed to make ours a better club.
While I am here I would also like to thank those who have already contributed to the forum . This can only go from strength to strength with your support and participation . Thanks also to Charles and Marrilyn for their tireless efforts on our website .
A couple of suggestions:
One concerns publicising the website. Yesterday I spoke to two members who didn’t know about the website. These were people who use computers and the internet.
Our members won’t visit and use the website if they don’t know that it is available.
I suggest that our President John mention the website, its URL and features each time he makes the announcements at each dance until all members are thoroughly aware if its existence and features.
Chas and Marilyn are keen to have members using the Forum to put forward ideas and information. This can only happen if members visit the website and have a belief that we genuinely want their comments.
The other suggestion concerns people who come to the dances as visitors. Commonly by the time they are named in the announcements they have already left the venue.
It could be better if they are mentioned and identified immediately after the lesson.
That will have the advantage that we all become aware of their presence and may be able to greet them, make them welcome and give them necesary information about our group.
Furthermore the personal greeting and welcome should not be left solely to the President. Anyone nearby could attend to it. The President already has plenty to do and may not always be able to spend time with the visitors.
It is very pleasing to see the advancement in our website.
Far better than Perth Ballroom Now. Keep it going.
Thanks for your comments; the whole committee have worked hard to get this initiative up and running. As webmaster, I had the easiest task of putting their ideas together in the website very ably assisted by Marrilyn.
Thank you Chas and Marilyn for the hard work involved in setting up and maintaining this website.
At last there is an opportunity to make use of the ideas and information available to all the members of the OFBDS.
We may be able to improve the attractiveness of our dance to potential new members.
Thank you Robert & Kathy for your feedback on our new website, our first! (feedback I mean)
It is going to be a great asset to the club I’m sure, & very exciting to be a part of it.
Best regards Patricia.
Dear Committee Members,
We would like to let you know how pleased we are with our new website – we find it very functional and it meets our needs.
The pages look great, easy to navigate around and we are pretty sure the club’s profile has been lifted. From now on promoting the club by word of mouth will be much easier as the web address should just roll off the tongue. The other benefit for us is we can now take in a proper print of the dance list, every week, without the hassle of having to write it out or photograghing it for the day.
Our congratulations go to the Committee/website designer and everybody involved in setting it up. It’s a job well done!
Best Regards,
Robert and Kathy Herbu
(Members 173 & 175)