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Date Posted: Thu, Sep 20 2007, 10:45:07
Author: why support him?
Subject: Very well said. I wonder what on earth is so important for teachers that they join this particular org although there is plethora of other respectable orgs to choose from?
In reply to:
Me
's message, "So, let me get this straight... I feel like perhaps I've gone bonkers..." on Wed, Sep 19 2007, 22:48:56
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Situation in Germany -- German, Thu, Sep 20 2007, 12:03:11 [1]
The situation in Germany (and Mainland Europe) is, that there are only few AnCom Schools and teachers. WIDA does not only have much more schools and teachers throughout Europe, but also offers a rather easy way to become TRCG for Germans who have not grown up with ID. The quality of WIDA schools and teachers is discussed controversly, though it seems that the average standard of dancing at WIDA schools has improved over time. There has been a long discussion on dance.net about the quality of dancing as seen in a video clip of German WIDA champions.
Personally I don't like the approach of WIDA, to me it seems that it's more about quantity instead of quality, but I might be wrong. I wonder how Sean got permission to settle down in Europe and not only found a school, but a whole dance organisation, If anyone wants to hire him as a private teacher, why not, it's their own risk.
But him being head of a whole organisation (which he has founded, and probably this is why you can't just replace him as some have suggested), something seems completely wrong there.
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But the org is only a couple of years old, isn't it? And CLRG is longer in Germany? So there were even less WIDA teachers than CLRG teachers in Germany(Europe) back then? So it couldn't have been that they decided to join a larger org. Does it mean that to obtain an easier certification all those teachers accepted being governed by him with his past? I have no words for it... It's like selling the safety of their students for a second rate diploma! -- omg, Thu, Sep 20 2007, 14:17:48 [1]
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history of WIDA -- German, Thu, Sep 20 2007, 15:57:12 [1]
I know that at the time when WIDA was founded, there was only one AnCom TRCG in Germany, and maybe 2 conditional teachers who meanwhile have passed their TCRG exam, with alltogether around 5 locations where you could take regular classes or Workshops. (that was when my daughter was into ID and where my knowledge comes from).
As far as I understood, Sean offered a platform for the numberous dance teachers, who already taught ID classes throughout Germany (mostly inspired by LotD/Riverdance) Those classses were non-competitive and often a branch of larger dance schools (along with aerobics, tap dance, ballett...). Most of those teachers never got proper ID formation (Rather CDs and some workshops...). WIDA offered them a platform with feis, workshops and TRCG exams, I don't know what AnCom offered at the time, and I am not sure how open they were to train German ID teachers who only had begun their ID-life as adults
This from the WIDA website:
"A prior knowledge or experience of Irish Dance is not necessary to become a certified W.I.D.A. dance teacher or adjudicator as few people on the European mainland grew up having the opportunity to know about Irelands national dance style."
An examination programme and schedule has been developed to encourage those with an interest in Irish Dance to become certified teachers and adjudicators with W.I.D.A. Candidates will be able to go at their own pace and develop their knowledge and skill without the pressure of deadlines and will be able to be fully certified when they are ready to complete the examination process."
Have a look at the websites (Europeirishdance.com for AnCom and worldirishdance.com for WIDA) and you'll see the difference concerning the numbers of schools and feis in Germany- and you'll see that the most of the WIDA teachers have German names, whereas the AnCom teachers are English/Irish born (=have been dancing and competing since childhood).
I think Sean had an easy game to built up his new organisation without people asking too many questions. I saw an interview he gave (in German, so I won't quote), where he did not even mention that he was a teacher in the US, he only told about previously teaching in Scotland .
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Thanks for posting all of this! He did have it very easy over there - a TC from California arranged for him to move there and start teaching near K-Town. -- Please keep an eye on him, Sun, Sep 23 2007, 21:30:02 [1]
Since his TCRG was revoked he started WIDA. He was a good teacher, and I'm sure he still is; he is just low on ethics and probably found it very easy to gather together all of the dancers and non-cert teachers into one organization - everybody wants to belong to something, or wants more than they have, and he very smoothly provided it. There are good and bad teachers here, but for every one of them the process of learning and testing for their TCRG takes many years and lots of knowlege - and that is something that he could not have provided to the WIDA teachers. Establishing WIDA was a means to a livelihood (since he lost everything in the court battle here) and a way to thumb his nose at the governing body that he used to belong to. It is good for him that he is an entrepeneur, but bad for your male children and for anyone who might think that he won't do this again. If sex with underage boys is not as abhorrent in Europe as it is in the US, then he has found a good home for himself and it will be up to every parent to watch him. He is not the kind and wonderful man that he seems to be.
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Because many European Countires don't have Paedophile Registers. Not sure about Germany, but places like Portugal, Greece etc don't! And for the OP's information, Sean Gavan never did admit to his 'crime' he always strenuously denied it and many parents from his school stood by him. I think what Darren should have said is that Sean Gavan told him about his conviction, not that he admitted to actually doing it! Why would he? He doesn't know Darren!!! As for Michael Jackson, in my view he was only found NOT Guilty because of who he is...the case was very similar to Sean Gavan's and it's amazing what money and fame can do for you. While I have been a Jackson Family fan since they hit the big time, I would not buy any of Michael's music now nor advocate my children doing so...NO SMOKE WITHOUT FIRE, in both cases. IMVHO -- Not a Witch Hunter General, Thu, Sep 20 2007, 20:24:49 [1]
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you are right. he never attempted to cover up his conviction but we have not discussed his guilt or otherwise -- Irishdaz, Fri, Sep 21 2007, 19:45:59 [1]
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Why bother? He is a very good teacher and is a slippery as the day is long. I wouldn't be surprised if you got a story that is totally unlike what the transcripts would tell you. -- disgusted, Sun, Sep 23 2007, 21:08:38 [1]
If you do ask him, be sure to ask when the last time he went to Scotland was. I'm sorry for your past troubles and can see why this organization holds attraction for you and your daughter. She is safe. He only likes boys. If you find no problem in acting like an ostrich and defending an organization that was started by a felon, then you live with your conscience - but don't try to defend him or your own choices, because there is no defence. PS: What if he liked teenage girls? Would you see a problem then?
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He did admit his actions, on a conversation that was recorded legally by the police. Of course he changed his story twice in court, but that tape recording was helpful in his conviction. -- not a supporter, Sun, Sep 23 2007, 21:02:10 [1]
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