When I was at the San Francisco Open, I picked up a newspaper named "Dance Beat." And it had an open letter from the President of NDCA, pretty much lamblasting USABDA, and explaining some changes that are on the table.

Unfortunately, I can't find anything on any of their websites to send you to (www.dancebeat, www.usabda.org, or www.ndca.org).
But one of the issues, closest to my heart, is the registration of all participants in an NDCA event will have to be registered with NDCA. This includes judges, organizers, MC's, DJ's, Professional, and the competitors (Pro/Am Students, and Amateur couples). I only dance at 3 or 4 Pro/Am competitions a year, so having to register doesn't make much sense to me (Another addition to the entry fee, why do I have to pay to get into a session I'm competing in??). I can understand it for the people who do 20-40 competitions, it will help to further standardize rules.

Does anyone know of where I could get more information on this issue, or provide some?
Also, why hasn't more information been given to the students? It could be done through the competitions.

I saw the same thing this weekend. In fact, I was listening to a discussion by some of the biggest names in the US competition circuit... all of whom were either competing professionals, pro-am teachers, or competiton organizers. And I'd like it to be known that nobody ivolved in that discussion thought that it was good idea. In fact, nobody I've ever spoken to thinks that it's a good idea. Nobody, that is, except those in the NDCA.

The best thing that you can do as a student is to stay informed in any way possible, especially through your teacher(s), and make your opinion known. Use any means possible to do this, including this public message board and others. You have official permission from the management of this website to share all relevant information here, to help keep other students informed as well. Teachers are also welcome to join in and share information. In fact, we'd even like to hear arguments from those in favor of it.

Sincerely,
Jonathan Atkinson
www.ballroomdancers.com

Thanks Jonathan and Keh,

It's nice to know I'm not the only one who is frustrated by the lack of information. Though it looks like USABDA is compling a response to Mr. McDonald.

The Ditz wrote:

There are some 140 heated discussions in the Dancescape.tv under the topic of "NDCA declares war on US amateurs". http://www.dancescape.tv/content/interact.asp