How much acting is there in the Rumba.Does the ability to act give a person an advantage. If anybody saw the film with Vanessa Wiliams. Dance with Me will appreciate how she stood on the spot for some nine or so bars of music and the rest was shear acting. Of all the film actresses that have figured in a ballroom dancing films I think Vanessa takes the Oscar
Also former several times World Champion told us that she as well as Jazz Ballet lessons was also taking acting lessons. Her exact words were. So that I could stand still for some five bars of music and not feel like a complete idiot.

I sincerely hope that their abilty to DANCE will impress me more .

was discussing this very topic with another adjudicator last week .

The latin has become a caricature of itself, and the fundamental concepts are sometimes not even recognisable .

Terence. There is as much acting within the dancing as there is dancing. What we see is every expression or gesture is practised over and over. One of the former top dancers said in a lecture that if he were to introduce a new group into his routine he would practise it for three months before taking it to the floor. He was still competing at that time. There are so many little things that can make or break. For instance when in a close embrace as man, don't look in the ladies eyes. Look over the top of her head. If you don't from the other end of the floor it will look as if you are looking down. And so the learning goes on. Use of the arms and hands right to the finger tips comes into the acting category. Like in Ice Dancing. Where would they be without the use of the arms

ALL dance at higher levels--- is very subjective-- one can only base opinions on ones own experience ( empirical evidence )We are not talking technique-- more about content and style .

I doubt you have had the exposure I have had , to " Latin " over multi yrs.

Do I want it to go back to the forties style ?-- No-- but I would like it to LOOK like it has not stepped out of a gymnastics course .

We had a bit of a get together only yesterday. Being fresh in my mind I asked . How much percentage wise is acting in Latin compared with dancing. Without any hesitation the answer was given, 60 percent is acting. These people were untill a short time ago right up at the top and still keep up with all the latest trends. It could be interesting to ask other opinions. Maybe Jonathan might like to come into this one and give an opinion

60% is acting? How sad!

That's one of the reasons I prefer smooth or standard. It's more about the dancing.

Ellen . In the Standard Style the poise could be classed as acting. A person I know who went for a lesson on his arrival in the UK, spent a great deal of the lesson learning how to smile would you believe. His normal expression he was told, was just not suitable.Its no good smiling and frowning at the same time.
I wonder. In your opinion which is the most popular of all the dance styles world wide. Which attracts the biggest TV audiences. Which would you rather watch, or you, or you..

I would rather watch smooth or standard. I suppose latin is more popular with the non-dancing public. Perhaps because it is more about acting--and acting "sexy"--than it is about dancing, if what you say is correct.

Ellen. The technique has still got to be perfect. Acting alone wont do, it is as well as.
There is one big disadvantage in Latin . That is as a lady it is necessary to have a good figure and a good pair of legs. If the men had to dance in shorts I think there would be many who wouldn't make the grade.