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Australian Irish Dancing Message Board

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fake tan -- dancer, Mon, Oct 12 2009, 11:33:36"
Does anyone else think fake tan is necessary

[Edit]

Replies:
- yes i like it (NT) -- dancer, Mon, Oct 12 2009, 11:52:33"
- on stage, yes, i definately think it is necessary (NT) -- ., Mon, Oct 12 2009, 12:06:43"
- yes i do.. I am VERY pasty without it in real life let alone on stage under lights.. (NT) -- i also think make up is necessary, Mon, Oct 12 2009, 12:16:32"
- dancer -- dancer, Mon, Oct 12 2009, 12:39:49"
  - i dont think it is necessary but it makes a difference when on stage, but we are irish dancing, and arent us irish naturally pale (NT) -- dancer, Mon, Oct 12 2009, 12:41:48"
    - Well, it all depends. Does being Irish make you immune to wanting to look your best on stage? (NT) -- KC, Mon, Oct 12 2009, 13:38:47"
- Who ever said that you can't look good without fake or real tan? If you have lovely fair Irish skin, you can look stupid with fake tans! (NT) -- Irish Mum, Mon, Oct 12 2009, 21:46:42"
  - I think "stupid" is a little harsh, don't you? The choice to tan or not is exactly that, a choice. It's a choice most dancers (and their teachers) make. My daughter does, in fact, have lovely pale Irish skin, she is a complete wash-out under stage lights without fake tan. So yes, she considers it to be part of her "look", as integral as the makeup, the dress, the wig and the shoes and poodle socks. (NT) -- KC, Tue, Oct 13 2009, 0:04:29"
    - I wasn't being harsh, Pale faces & hands with orange legs is the look I was referring to as being stupid. Too much fake tan is not a good look! (NT) -- Irish Mum, Tue, Oct 13 2009, 4:07:38"
      - found this cropped up a lot this year, mainly on those who had gone to the tanning booth on site. Legs super dark, even with bronzer the face didn't match. Cancelled my appointment after seeing how dark they were! (NT) -- :-S, Tue, Oct 13 2009, 7:34:30"
        
        I spoke to the vendor she said it was because they didn't have a shower. Thety used a 2 pack tan and you need to wash the top layer off after 8 hours to get a lovely even tan. She was a little disappointed thay hadn't as it also made the tan streaky as well as too dark (NT) -- Happy tanned dancer, Tue, Oct 13 2009, 21:36:24"
        
        I noticed this too, on the dancers who's legs looked almost chocolate brown, you could see they hadn't washed off the top layer. On another note, why would you not have a shower before you had a full day of dancing!! eewww! I bet this top 'wash off' layer ended up all over the inside of there dress. (NT) -- -, Tue, Oct 13 2009, 22:27:38"
        I found the biggest problem with the vendor was that when I made the booking I was quoted $35 (full tan) and was charged $45 on the day. She also missed a bit on my daughter and one of her friends (don't know if there were others) and when they went book, wasn't willing to fix it. They were made the offer of waiting 45 minute or so until the last appointment was done and then she'd "see if she had time". They bought a tube and fixed it themselves. (NT) -- KC, Tue, Oct 13 2009, 23:51:36"
        
        Back, they went back. LOL (NT) -- KC, Tue, Oct 13 2009, 23:53:02"
        When I was getting my tan done at the booth, a girl came back to get a missing patch fixed up, and it was fixed right on the spot - no waiting. (NT) -- -, Wed, Oct 14 2009, 2:42:28"
        
        Well, the response to my daughter and her friend was "no one will see it" and then as above. I wish she had been as obliging as you say. Plus, there was still the issue of that unexpected price hike... (NT) -- KC, Wed, Oct 14 2009, 8:50:35"
- i think it is stupid, irish dancing is so expensive already and it shouldnt be how dancers look on stage it should be about the dancing, but looking neat and tidy aswell but not to the degree that we look distgustingly brown (NT) -- dancer, Tue, Oct 13 2009, 1:07:46"
- It should be up to individuals if they tan or not. I don't think dancers should be critised for using tan. If they want let them, otherwise don't use it. (NT) -- :(, Tue, Oct 13 2009, 1:12:46"
- The trouble is you look blue or green on stage without fake tan, not white, white if fine, but blue & green are not so good.If dancers want to be able to not use fake tan we need to change the type & colour of the stage lights (NT) -- Nice to look good on stage, Tue, Oct 13 2009, 2:13:46"
  - Not true!! Natural skin is preferred in ballet and opera and other theatre genres. Irish dancing doesn't even use theatre lighting - it is just a big hall lit like a normal room. The lighting in Irish dancing does not change skin colour the way theatre lighting does (NT) -- --, Wed, Oct 14 2009, 7:30:28"
    - exactly I have never seen theatre lighting that changed someone blue or green without it being a washout colour - in which case everything has a wash of colour over it. Even at Nationals they use standard lightings, not theatre stage performance lighting. So its kinda silly to 'blame' lighting that isn't even being used. (NT) -- tan or no tan should be personal choice, Wed, Oct 14 2009, 9:14:45"
- It is definitely not necessary. In Asia and Africa and South America women bleach their skin. In the West, we paint ourselves bright orange. Why?! Irish people are not naturally pumpkin-coloured. It is ugly - and especially ridiculous as many dancers make their legs orange and leave the rest of their skin white. And it just makes Irish dancing look even more like a beauty pageant. Even the best fake tan still looks fake. (NT) -- --, Wed, Oct 14 2009, 7:25:27"
- Oh, and why is it necessary on the stage?! The black backdrops often used make people with fair hair stand out more than people with dark hair. Same goes for skin colour. Dark against dark isn’t a bonus. In the ballet world dancers often put a whitewash over their skin before performances. The implication orange skin is necessary is offensive. (NT) -- --, Wed, Oct 14 2009, 7:28:06"
  - Meaning, in the ballet world, anybody who has a tan by accident does their best to get rid of it before going on the stage for a performance. (NT) -- --, Wed, Oct 14 2009, 7:33:23"
    - At Worlds this year no one had really tanned legs. The look was much more natural and the face and legs were a good match. (NT) -- Thought the really dark legs this year looked weird...so we didn't get a spray tan...just used stuff from Woolies!, Wed, Oct 14 2009, 12:13:28"
      - i had a different experience than you at worlds- i found that everyone there was just as tanned as i've found people (dancers) to be everywhere. (NT) -- from what i saw, on average, it was still as dark - perhaps some light legs here and there, but not from what i saw overall...perhaps i missed things though, or we were watching different sections?, Wed, Oct 14 2009, 13:44:33"
        
        Oh well we can agree to differ. Our teacher was with us at Worlds and also commented on how much lighter the legs were generally. Also our OS teacher told us to hold back on going really dark...he said it was out of fashion. (NT) -- Just my opinion though, Wed, Oct 14 2009, 21:08:07"
      - At the worlds everyone had very dark legs. They didnt look as dark on stage however because the stage lights were so bright. The dancers in our school put on extra coats of tanner on so they would look tanned on stage, but they still looked quite pail. When i went to the NANs the english/irish/american dancers were just as tanned as ever!! Lots were tanning there face as well. (NT) -- i heart fake tan, Thu, Oct 15 2009, 1:34:24"
        
        Really? my teacher also advised me not to tan a lot for Worlds and I agreed with her, because the legs were much paler than usual, onstage and offstage. the official tanning place for worlds also gave quite a nice, pale tan once the bronzer washed off. I love fake tan but I agree that the really dark legs are going out of fashion. (NT) -- maybe different sections had different amounts of tan coz the ones i saw were all quite pale, Thu, Oct 15 2009, 3:00:51"
- no one is telling dancers to put tan on but some of us feel it is neccesary as a majority is but if we stop going to the hassell of getting fake tanned everyone else willl follow , there fore it would be one less thing to remember and also be cheaper (NT) -- dancer, Thu, Oct 15 2009, 6:31:17"
  - Well then why don't we also all stop wearing nice costumes, wigs and dancing shoes? Make it all no frills. (NT) -- Frustrated, Thu, Oct 15 2009, 7:01:08"
    - Well, it wouldn't be Irish Dancing without the shoes, now would it!!! (NT) -- Irish Mum, Thu, Oct 15 2009, 7:06:48"
- well i would like it not to be about about the dresses wigs, as it should be about the dancing only... and not who has the brownest legs biggest wigs and most expesnsive dresses (NT) -- dancer, Thu, Oct 15 2009, 7:08:42"
  - Well the same could be said about ballroom, artistic gymnastics, ballet etc. Should they all just be done in practice gear without makeup etc? (NT) -- Presentation is a big part of it all ., Thu, Oct 15 2009, 7:50:48"
- presentation is apart of everthing but if less of our attention is focused on it im sure we will not be lacking a beatutifull appearence, and therefore will be focuesed on haveing more fun and reaching our goals (NT) -- dancer, Thu, Oct 15 2009, 8:07:45"
  - Sorry don't quite understand your post? (NT) -- Confused, Thu, Oct 15 2009, 8:24:37"
- we spend ages making ourselve look good but in doing that we are making ourselves look fake and disguisting through the use of fake tan (NT) -- dancer, Thu, Oct 15 2009, 8:32:30"
  - I'm with you Dancer, have seen a lot of changes in 10 years, not all them seem to be for the betterment of I.D. (NT) -- Irish Mum, Thu, Oct 15 2009, 8:56:55"
  - so you don't use make-up or fake tan then and compete in shorts and no wig? (NT) -- ?, Fri, Oct 16 2009, 0:23:10"
- One other benefit of using lots of fake tan all over: it makes the dancer's teeth look really white when they give a toothy smile. (NT) -- LOL, Fri, Oct 16 2009, 0:13:23"
  - Be careful.... that could start another trend... OVER BLEACHED TEETH! (NT) -- -eeeek, Fri, Oct 16 2009, 8:38:33"
I'm wondering if anyone can remember the name of the Etihad representative at the Nationals? -- :-), Wed, Oct 14 2009, 13:50:48"
[Edit]

Replies:
- Try contacting Clare McAleer. Melbourne McAleer School (NT) -- :), Wed, Oct 14 2009, 22:12:25"
- Just curious, has anyone contacted them and been given a good fare to Worlds? (NT) -- -, Wed, Oct 14 2009, 23:12:25"
- last time the worlds were in glasgow we flew etihad they had the best rates and its was a great airline to fly with (NT) -- definitely recommend it, Thu, Oct 15 2009, 5:47:29"
  - We flew Ethidad to Glasgow as well and it's an experience I wouldn't want to repeat. Sorry to have to say it, but it was awful. (NT) -- Never again., Thu, Oct 15 2009, 6:26:54"
- Flew Ethihad to the UK last christmas, our experience was very good......... I guess you can have good and bad experiences with any airline (NT) -- DT, Thu, Oct 15 2009, 6:36:02"
  - I have flown with them 3 times to Europe in the last 2 years. i will ONLY travel with them now. So much better than our National Airline. They could learn a few things such as service from Ethihads (NT) -- They treat women soooo well on the flights, Thu, Oct 15 2009, 8:42:17"
    - I totally disagree! On our flight to Glasgow I asked five times for water for my daughter. We were rudely ignored but the business men in the seats across the aisle from us were fawned over. These men were not from Australia if you get my meaning. I was appalled at how badly we women travelling alone with children were treated. (NT) -- And I'm not the only one who had this experience. Also the food was inedible., Thu, Oct 15 2009, 9:16:59"
      - Like another poster said, some people have great experiences with things, and others.. not so great. By the way, no matter the airline or plane... the food is ALWAYS inedible!!! (NT) -- lol, Thu, Oct 15 2009, 9:33:47"
        
        really, i thought the food on etihad was great!! (NT) -- much better than the usual plastic, Thu, Oct 15 2009, 10:07:46"
- Great to hear such good support and positive feedback for Etihad. It is fantastic that they are supporting irish dancing and are willing to support those going to the Worlds. I guess people will whinge about anything. In reply to the OP's question, try contacting AIDA or your dance teacher for the rep's name. (NT) -- Thanks for your support Etihad!, Thu, Oct 15 2009, 22:32:01"
  - I take offence at your post. Why is it that if you say something critical then it's construed as whingeing?? It is a FACT that our two flights on Ethiad were AWFUL. That is not whingeing...it is just expressing an opinion. (NT) -- We live in a democracy., Fri, Oct 16 2009, 6:12:22"
- try EMIRATES, they fly straight to Glasgow Airport, no changing to a domestic flight from London as with Etihad or Qantas etc (NT) -- dm, Thu, Oct 15 2009, 23:34:26"
  - Why would you support those who are NOT supporting irish dancing? (NT) -- Support them so that they can support YOU!, Thu, Oct 15 2009, 23:49:16"
  - I recently flew with Emirates O.S. & it was the best flying experience I have ever had. They treated the kids really well too. (NT) -- All that on a very discounted airfare too., Fri, Oct 16 2009, 0:10:42"
  - and costs $1000 more than Etihad! (NT) -- seriously, Fri, Oct 16 2009, 5:43:07"
- I don't know if V Australia fly to UK/ Scotland but we flew with them to the States and I'd have to say they had the BEST service i've ever experienced and I have flown many times with many different companies. (NT) -- And their prices were great too :-) happy flyer :-), Fri, Oct 16 2009, 1:55:16"
  - Virgin Atlantic fly to London via.. Hong Kong? If memory serves me right. Technically a different airline, but still part of Branson's Virgin group so would expect similar service levels. Knew someone who flew Virgin Atlantic from UK to US and said they were great (NT) -- frequent flier, Fri, Oct 16 2009, 2:26:12"
- I lived in Dubai for a long time and was a very frequent flyer with Emirates - at least once a year, plus family coming to me from Aus frequently - I am a recent convert to Etihad. Emirates is much more convenient because they fly out of Dubai, whereas Etihad fly out of Abu Dhabi (1.5 hours drive away) but I now fly Etihad because prices are HEAPS better. It's worth the inconvenience of driving 1.5 hours to the airport! Service levels are about the same. (NT) -- Rachel, Fri, Oct 16 2009, 5:47:21"
Could some kind person please post the timetable and numbers for the October Feis at Blackburn thanks. -- idmum, Wed, Oct 14 2009, 22:17:34"
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Replies:
- bump (NT) -- op, Thu, Oct 15 2009, 12:04:20"
- woooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh (NT) -- hahaha, Thu, Oct 15 2009, 12:19:24"
- Why the stupid reply? (NT) -- op, Thu, Oct 15 2009, 21:53:44"
Congratulations to Erin Trevena who has been selected for a lead role in Dance Masters show that will tour parts of Europe. Good to see our Aussie dancers doing so well overseas. Have fun Erin. -- Proud, Tue, Oct 13 2009, 11:56:42"
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Replies:
- WOW thats amazing! congrats Erin, saw her in rhythms of ireland and she was fantastic well deserved!! (NT) -- dancer, Tue, Oct 13 2009, 12:24:55"
- So well deserved. Congratulations! Hope you have the time of your life! -- Brent xx, Tue, Oct 13 2009, 13:21:27"
- That's so exciting Erin. Congratulations - you will be dazzling! Hope we can get a chance to see you perform again one day. Luv ya! (NT) -- Haylz and family xox, Wed, Oct 14 2009, 5:39:05"
- I had faith in you -- tonymc, Thu, Oct 15 2009, 5:58:48"
- congratulations !! keep dancing your heart out ezza :) love you heaps (NT) -- natasia, Thu, Oct 15 2009, 7:21:12"
- thaat is amazing. (NT) -- !, Thu, Oct 15 2009, 20:52:32"
NANs -- dancer, Thu, Oct 15 2009, 5:20:22"
I'm having trouble booking accommodation for the North American Nationals next year. It was supposed to open today but I cant find the link for the accommodation. Does anyone have any idea on how to help?
Thanks a lot
:)

[Edit]

Replies:
- May be the time difference, they're behind us remember so it's only JUST turned today - about 12.30am in the eastern states, and other states will still be on yesterday! Therefore they're probs in bed on their Wednesday night and havn't got the link active yet. Keep an eye on www.mid-atlanticregion.com, the link is down the bottom, will most likely be up tonight our time (once they wake up! (NT) -- good luck, Thu, Oct 15 2009, 5:39:05"
- Hi, I didnt have any problem booking. I rang through direct though (NT) -- 1-800-227-1500(not toll free). Good luck, Thu, Oct 15 2009, 10:17:44"
  - The rate is $160 plus 121.5% tax a night (NT) -- ., Thu, Oct 15 2009, 10:19:54"
    - lol sorry that is 12 1/2% tax. (NT) -- ., Thu, Oct 15 2009, 10:21:06"
  - don't forget you have to add to code to dial OUT of Australia. Details are in the phone book. (NT) -- Disneyworld bound!, Thu, Oct 15 2009, 11:05:51"
- The link on the midatlantic web page is working now. Link inside... -- US mum, Thu, Oct 15 2009, 15:13:23"
How are we going for the venue for next years Nationals? -- nswmum, Wed, Oct 14 2009, 8:52:53"
[Edit]

Replies:
- Just a thought...could people please be kind enough NOT to block book when the venue is announced? Let's just all be fair and only book for ourselves then we won't be in the mess we were in for Geelong when schools booked out whole apartment blocks and then didn't want them. (NT) -- Many thanks, Wed, Oct 14 2009, 9:16:52"
- Agreed. Very inconvenient (NT) -- idm, Wed, Oct 14 2009, 10:03:19"
- i think campbelltown would be a great location for the nationals next year :) (NT) -- dancer, Thu, Oct 15 2009, 6:47:41"
I am looking for an Irish band or musician to play at my wedding, -- does anyone know of anyone good in Victoria??, Mon, Oct 12 2009, 4:55:05"
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Replies:
- Pat McKernan is very good I heard him play at a wedding this year, I don't have a number but I'm sure he plays at The Quiet Man pub in Flemington,. I'm sure if you rang them they would help. (NT) -- :), Tue, Oct 13 2009, 2:16:37"
  - Thanks!!! He played at my brothers wedding and is wonderful! (NT) -- I am thinking of asking him but would also like to see if I can get someone different from my brother :), Tue, Oct 13 2009, 3:47:27"
- Reply inside: -- Davydd :o), Wed, Oct 14 2009, 10:31:39"
  - Oh... and if you have trouble contacting any of these bands... email me and i'll pass the message on! (NT) -- Davydd :o), Wed, Oct 14 2009, 10:34:38"
    - Thank you :) (NT) -- I'll check them out!!!, Thu, Oct 15 2009, 1:10:27"
Just a thought re Nationals now the smoke has cleared...congratulations to all the gracious champions and also to those who perhaps didn't place as high as they would have liked or expected. It was heartwarming to see such good sportsmanship from dancers and their parents. That's what it's all about...being happy for your peers if they get a better result than you do on the day. -- Observer, Mon, Oct 12 2009, 10:15:40"
[Edit]

Replies:
- i agree. Its not easy as it seems to stand up on the stage with a big smile on your face when you have worked hard all year and dont get what you expected. All dancers were very grateful and it was nice to see such a supportive group at nationals:) (NT) -- loved the nationals atmosphere., Mon, Oct 12 2009, 12:45:26"
  - Yes and often the dancers handle their disappointment better than the parents do! (NT) -- Spectator., Mon, Oct 12 2009, 22:05:02"
    - I found your comment about parents disappointing.I am always supportive of my dancer, regardless of the placing, even if there is no placing. Coming from a small dance school, I can honestly say all the parents I know are supportive of their dancers.There is always an opportunity to learn, whether it be placing well, placing or not quite making it.....this time, it's up to you how you deal with it and use it to inspire your dancing. (NT) -- To suggest that many "parents handle the disappointment worse than their dancer" is not right - there are many, many of us who are not like that., Mon, Oct 12 2009, 23:53:54"
      - Why are you putting into quotations something that wasn't said?? I just said that sometimes dancers handle the disappointment better than their parents . I didn't use the word "many" at all. I also used the word "sometimes". It is true that occasionally parents don't behave very well when others place higher. It's just a sad fact. (NT) -- Spectator., Tue, Oct 13 2009, 5:17:29"
        
        Where is the word "sometimes"??? (NT) -- Show me how "often" we see parents behaving badly. I honestly feel that the great majority of parents show support (comfort when disappointed or excitement for a good placing)., Wed, Oct 14 2009, 23:53:46"
- I would just like to say the true champions are the ones who dance every year and at every competition and either never recall or place at the very end. I think these dancers are the really true champions, the others are winners (nothing can be taken away from the winners). I know of some dancers who have danced for years and never recalled, they are CHAMPIONS. (NT) -- :), Mon, Oct 12 2009, 22:53:47"
  - i think everyone who works hard and competes in the competitions (whether they place or not) (NT) -- as Miss Jan always says - you are all very talented and blessed, Tue, Oct 13 2009, 1:27:54"
    - is a champion (NT) -- Whoops :P, Tue, Oct 13 2009, 1:28:55"
  - Hear, hear! It's not just the winners, or top 5 or whatever who deserve all the praise. Unfortunately half of the competitors don't even recall but that doesn't mean that they haven't worked as hard all year as the winner has. (NT) -- All these kids work hard and put their heart into it, they all deserve the same amount of congratulations and praise!, Tue, Oct 13 2009, 2:40:26"
    - Am sorry but I'm not convinced that half the competitors have worked as hard as the winner has. Yes they may have practised but I know that some of the competitors train as hard as elite athletes...that means many hours per day every day of the week. That's what sets them apart. Ot (NT) -- Credit where credit is due., Tue, Oct 13 2009, 11:02:59"
      - I didn't say that the winners weren't champions or didn't deserve the credit. I said congratulations should be awarded to all competitors who all worked very hard to get to Nationals. Unfortunately not everyone recalled, but that doesn't mean that those who didn't recall didn't work hard. (NT) -- There were State Champions that didn't recall at Nationals - they obviously worked hard all year to win their States. It just means that different judges like different things., Wed, Oct 14 2009, 5:16:51"
  - I think it's a bit rough to say that the ones who win are just winners and not champions!! Those dancers work their feet off and probably sacrifice a lot to stay at the top. Yes I take your point about the children who work all year and don't place high. But please give credit where it's due. (NT) -- Is Roger Federer just a winner and not a champion?, Tue, Oct 13 2009, 5:27:12"
    - Oh, stop arguing just for the sake of arguing. :P (NT) -- -, Tue, Oct 13 2009, 5:59:56"
      - I agree. The winners work their butts off and deserve to be called champions. (NT) -- I am not a winner btw, Tue, Oct 13 2009, 7:21:54"
      - Excuse me but I thought this was a board for discussion. No one is arguing...if you don't want to read the posts then don't. Boy talk about censorious! (NT) -- Who is arguing??, Tue, Oct 13 2009, 7:56:53"
- This started off as a positive thread. People, please, just relax for goodness sakes! (NT) -- -, Tue, Oct 13 2009, 8:52:41"
- Yes I agree. So many people work their buts off to do well. And for some a lower placing recall is enough! Its all about personal bests here! Just do the best that you can. And congratulations to those who do succeed and win or get highly placed. They all win very garcefully which is great to see! (NT) -- ., Tue, Oct 13 2009, 14:34:57"
Traditional Sets at new An Coimisiun speeds – all 6 for $5 at www.markarringtonmusic.com -- Mark Arrington, Wed, Oct 14 2009, 12:27:11"
I’m offering this package for the traditional sets at the new official speeds until the end of the year. While you’re there, you can download the four free tracks from my upcoming CD "Champtrax" for the next couple of weeks!

[Edit]

Replies:
- there are no new set speeds! an coimisiun speeds are the same as always for traditional sets (NT) -- do not change your set speed!, Wed, Oct 14 2009, 14:41:42"
  - I was told these are the speeds that will be used after the Oireachtas. There will also be a new non-traditional set dance. Trad Speeds inside. -- Mark Arrington, Wed, Oct 14 2009, 15:24:25"
- The set dance package now includes 3 Sea Captains at 96 bpm. This is all the tunes and speeds in the trad set dance comp in the 2010 AI syllabus. More on speeds inside. -- Mark Arrington, Wed, Oct 14 2009, 17:09:47"
Did anyone manage to video the presentation of the 14yrs girls at Nationals -- would love to get hold of a copy, thanks, Sun, Oct 11 2009, 0:52:00"
[Edit]

Replies:
- yeah would love to see it. and also the 13 years??? (NT) -- :), Sun, Oct 11 2009, 4:12:17"
- I have the 16y Girls, will work on getting it to YouTube in the next day or so... (NT) -- Milton Baar, Sun, Oct 11 2009, 4:59:14"
  - does anyone have any videos of the teams presentations? (NT) -- :), Sun, Oct 11 2009, 7:23:07"
  - 16 Years presentation video now on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYtdDafwDOI cinematographer was Peter Cousens (NT) -- Milton Baar, Sun, Oct 11 2009, 11:53:31"
  - 17 Years presentation now on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oR7rE_SYJ5E cinematographer was Peter Cousens (NT) -- Milton Baar, Sun, Oct 11 2009, 12:59:40"
- Thanks for uploading those viedos! (NT) -- ..., Mon, Oct 12 2009, 9:06:59"
- Thanks for posting these and if anyone has the 14yrs or 15ys presentation and you like to post it on you tube, I would be grateful (NT) -- thanks to all that for making this possible, Tue, Oct 13 2009, 5:11:49"
  - Yes please please please does someone have the 14 yrs? (NT) -- Many thanks, Tue, Oct 13 2009, 7:58:35"
- Does anyone have video of 9 yr boys at nationals -- bridie (happy), Wed, Oct 14 2009, 13:04:44"
Geelong hotels -- -, Mon, Oct 12 2009, 0:49:28"
Just wondering, after all the drama with Geelong accomodation, what did you think of the accomodation you finally booked?

[Edit]

Replies:
- great - i would love nationals again in geelong (NT) -- dm, Mon, Oct 12 2009, 1:26:20"
- We loved ours! (NT) -- would be happy to go back again, Mon, Oct 12 2009, 2:22:29"
- I also liked mine, very central and easy to get around (NT) -- Would go back again, Mon, Oct 12 2009, 4:02:41"
- I thought the meals at the Sphinx were just the best. Good sized meals and very good value for money. (NT) -- :), Mon, Oct 12 2009, 4:18:34"
- Geelong Accommodation -- Unstressed!, Mon, Oct 12 2009, 12:27:53"
- We stayed at the Chiefley.It was clean and good but very expensive at 195 per night for 2 sharing (NT) -- mum, Tue, Oct 13 2009, 7:06:26"
  - Well because there were five of us we had to book two separate sets of accommodation . Cost us a fortune obviously. Tried every possible avenue to find something else starting 12 months ago. Because of Joe everything had gone or the price was bumped up or certain schools had block booked accommodation that they only released just prior to Nationals when it was too late as we had already paid hefty deposits! So. no. for us Geelong was not easy at all. (NT) -- Had a good time though., Tue, Oct 13 2009, 11:33:55"
Dresses at http://www.swoose.net/DRESSESFORSALE.HTM reduced!! -- Milton Baar, Tue, Oct 13 2009, 6:25:58"
First two dresses, Julia's, now reduced by 50% and 75% respectively. Looking to sell as, guess what - she will grow out of this years' dress and we need another - again!!

So, her green dress will also be for sale - later.

Contact us if interested in these dresses - now a real bargain!

[Edit]

Replies:
- Milton how can I post my DD dress for sale on your site? What is the cost and process please (NT) -- Liz, Tue, Oct 13 2009, 9:58:52"
  - Email me the details, some photos and I will put it on - it is free. Also (like I have done), put it on Dance Again, it is the largest and best in the world! (NT) -- Milton Baar, Tue, Oct 13 2009, 11:32:21"
Siopa Rince Dress for sale - $1800 or best offer. Orange and white - suit a 7 - 9 year. -- :), Tue, Oct 13 2009, 5:32:33"
http://tinypic.com/a/1d7gh/3

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Replies:
- awww I saw this dress on the little girl from the USA who danced at the Central Coast Feis! She looked absolutely beautiful. Good luck with the sale. (NT) -- So pretty!, Tue, Oct 13 2009, 6:10:14"
Dance Of Champions -- Emily Palmer, Sun, Oct 11 2009, 13:02:23"
Hi everyone

just letting you know that i have uploaded the dance of champions to youtube. there are 2 parts as we couldn't fit it in one. here are the links. hope it is ok. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uydksyVlpfg -part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwlTV8jT50s -part 2

enjoy!!

[Edit]

Replies:
- Thank you so much!!! These videos are brilliant. (NT) -- You are a champion xx, Sun, Oct 11 2009, 13:35:50"
- Thank you. (NT) -- hope everyone is happy now, Sun, Oct 11 2009, 13:44:26"
- Hii , just tried to vuew these videos and the website said it was the wrong address .. Do you know what you type into youtube to find these videos?? (NT) -- Excited for the champions, Tue, Oct 13 2009, 4:25:46"
- i forgot to add that "-part1" and "-part 2" is not part of the adress link. that may be your problem as it works without that. hope it works :) (NT) -- emily palmer, Tue, Oct 13 2009, 4:51:11"
Look at this photo: http://www.swoose.net/IRISHDANCING/2009/Nationals2009TuesdayPM/target231.html -- Why is she sitting on the block?, Mon, Oct 12 2009, 19:48:35"
[Edit]

Replies:
- When she was called out for 2nd place she started to step up onto the blocks but the ladies who were helping tapped her on the shoulder and asked her to wait for the winner but when she was stepping off the block she slipped and hurt her foot/leg. They carried her off stage but thankfully she was able to come back on and sit on the blocks. (NT) -- -, Mon, Oct 12 2009, 21:23:39"
  - is she alright now (NT) -- dancer, Mon, Oct 12 2009, 23:15:25"
    - The little sweetheart danced in teams later on in the week so she must be OK (NT) -- It was a terrible moment when it happened :(, Tue, Oct 13 2009, 3:18:52"
Irish dancing photography -- irish dancer, Mon, Oct 12 2009, 5:52:08"
Just a question to Milton Baar not really related to Irish Dancing sorry. Im a huge fan of your wonderful photos and also a keen photographer and was wondering what brand of camera you use and what lense you generally use. Thanks

[Edit]

Replies:
- I use a Canon 5D MkII and a Canon 40D. Lenses are EF 24-70 f2.8L USM and EF 70-200 f2.8L USM. Also Speedlite 550 & Speedlite 580 flashes (NT) -- Milton Baar, Mon, Oct 12 2009, 6:57:58"
- photography -- irish dancer, Mon, Oct 12 2009, 7:46:16"
- The Canon 40D is a wonderful camera (and no doubt the 5D MkII is brilliant). Oh, and Milton is, of course,, an excellent photographer! :) Nice selection of lenses, too. (NT) -- dancer, Mon, Oct 12 2009, 9:12:37"
- ...I got the part where you use a Canon...but after that....it's all Greek to me!!!!!! LOL (NT) -- Always love your photos Milton!!!!!!, Mon, Oct 12 2009, 23:57:29"
  - it means he has two lenses that zoom a fair bit,and a big bit, and two big shiny flashes! (NT) -- :D, Tue, Oct 13 2009, 2:59:41"
winkipop The only pictures they have up are the tuesday pictures! This isnt very profession or acceptable especially when they said pictures will be up seventy two hours after the championships. Its now alot later than that! Is it time to get a new photographer? -- why not milton? He does a wonderful job of catching the feel of the nationals!, Sat, Oct 10 2009, 0:18:31"
[Edit]

Replies:
- ive just checked and it still only tuesdays up...didnt we have this problem last year? or if we didnt...what changed so this year they are behind??? (NT) -- very very disappointed., Sat, Oct 10 2009, 1:01:06"
- Don't forget...once they are up, we're on a time limit to view and purchase them. I found this quite difficult last year, trying to find time to view them WITHIN a time frame, due to work commitments. (NT) -- Hopefully we'll get more time this year., Sat, Oct 10 2009, 22:56:24"
- I hope the photos don't expire before they get them up. (NT) -- A message from Winkipop about what's going on would be good, Sun, Oct 11 2009, 5:48:35"
- Is there any trick to getting the photos to load, other than extreme patience and keeping on refreshing the page? (NT) -- Please?, Mon, Oct 12 2009, 3:24:27"
  - With so many people all looking at once their site will be overloaded with visitors and will be slow. Be patient and try to look late at night or early morning when others may not be looking. After a few days when everyone has had a look, it will probaly be faster. (NT) -- -, Mon, Oct 12 2009, 4:45:45"
- I emailed Winkipop because the photos were loading very slowly.They have advised that due to construction works nearby, a cable was destroyed which is affecting their bandwidth and as a result, their site. They were hoping to have everything back to normal by the Wednesday, this week. (NT) -- Hope this helps., Tue, Oct 13 2009, 0:01:46"
- And now it's down completely AGAIN! (NT) -- getting annoyed, Tue, Oct 13 2009, 0:43:53"
  - Patience is a virtue!!!!! (NT) -- :-, Tue, Oct 13 2009, 0:57:23"
- I also emailed them to enquire when the photos would be up, and the friendly response was that they had 80,000 images to load, and a new baby, so it was taking longer than they had expected. (NT) -- So I've stopped trying to look, for a few days anyway, Tue, Oct 13 2009, 2:16:28"
2010 North American National Information -- Update, Mon, Oct 12 2009, 17:13:20"
Hotel reservations for the 2010 North American National will be accepted starting 12:01AM Oct. 15. Please, read the message on the Hotel Information link.

[Edit]

Replies:
- Is this Aussie time? (NT) -- ?, Tue, Oct 13 2009, 2:08:13"
All Scotland -- friends x, Mon, Oct 12 2009, 7:40:54"
Well done Jeremy Brooks! Placed fourth in the All Scotland Championships. Great work :)

[Edit]

Replies:
- And Michael Padgett came 4th too! Go the Aussie boys... we'll still claim you as being a true blue Aussie bloke Michael! (NT) -- Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi, Mon, Oct 12 2009, 8:05:51"
- Charmayne Dulley placed 6th in the Senior Ladies (NT) -- :), Mon, Oct 12 2009, 12:43:03"
- Great to see the ex-pat aussis do well (NT) -- Well done to you all!, Mon, Oct 12 2009, 22:37:28"
2010 North American National correction -- absentminded, Mon, Oct 12 2009, 17:39:22"
The reservation must be made from the Mid-Atlantic web site
www.mid-atlanticregion.com

[Edit]
Does anyone know the password to see the nationals photos on the WinkiPoP website? -- dancer., Mon, Oct 12 2009, 12:41:50"
[Edit]

Replies:
- keyboard (NT) -- dancer, Mon, Oct 12 2009, 12:42:17"
  - thank you ! (NT) -- ., Mon, Oct 12 2009, 12:43:49"
Hi, just wondering if anyone could tell me if there are any schools in Coffs Harbour. -- Thanks, Mon, Oct 12 2009, 11:00:31"
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Replies:
- Glenys Ritchie in Lismore (2.5hours north) was running something in Coffs Harbour but I don't know if she is anymore - Summers School (NT) -- --, Mon, Oct 12 2009, 11:10:55"
New Costume Designer -- Miss Brown's Fancy, Sun, Oct 11 2009, 13:38:21"
Miss Brown's Fancy is pleased to present our new website.
Take advantage of our opening sale which offers a 10% discount on all brand new ready to wear costumes purchased during the month of October.

www.missbrownsfancy.com

[Edit]

Replies:
- Great name! (NT) -- I like!, Sun, Oct 11 2009, 21:36:06"
- great name, great website!! (NT) -- hope to use your services one day!, Mon, Oct 12 2009, 10:54:20"
WinkiPop -- ., Sat, Oct 10 2009, 7:44:14"
I must say I am very impressed with the way Winkipop have split the photo's into groups of competitiors numbers. Makes finding 1 dancer out of 71 much easier. The photo's are fabulous too.

Thanks Winkipop.

[Edit]

Replies:
- It is good to see a post not being negative about winkipop. I am not a photographer but i think photographing something as big as the nationals would be a tough task. I dont mind how long they take to put the photos up because it looks like they are putting them up in a way that makes them easy to find (dividing the photos up into age groups and rounds). (NT) -- I think we should give them a bit of a break, it is a big job! Thanks WinkiPoP, Sat, Oct 10 2009, 12:28:35"
- Obviously the above posts were from Winkipop!!!!!!! (NT) -- ID, Sat, Oct 10 2009, 17:00:13"
  - WRONG... the post above is from me a dancer who is sick of people whinging about the photos.. (NT) -- GOI, Sun, Oct 11 2009, 7:18:26"
- hahaha (NT) -- ., Sat, Oct 10 2009, 19:30:01"
- when will the remaining photos be uploaded!! (NT) -- ridiculous delay, Sat, Oct 10 2009, 20:33:32"
- The photos are alright but none of the presentation photos really captured the moment or the mood that was in the hall. I still can't believe the rest of the photos aren't up yet! I also think someone else should do next years nationals. (NT) -- - (annoyed), Sun, Oct 11 2009, 3:48:45"
  - Didn't we hear last year that Winkipop had a 3 year contract? (NT) -- Or did I imagine that?, Sun, Oct 11 2009, 7:11:47"
    - I thought it was five. If that's the case, then keep your fingers crossed for only another 3 years of dodgy photos. (NT) -- Dancer, Sun, Oct 11 2009, 7:41:22"
- please tell me if im acting wrong but im really starting to get impatient with winkipop. it was my grandads bday on the w/e and he wanted to see photos of me dancing. only tues and wed's pics are up. this is getting ridiculous. if they cant be reliable then they shouldnt be used! and yes i know things can happen with systems and the net etc. but at least have the courtesy to let people know what is going on if there is a problem!!! (NT) -- dancer, Sun, Oct 11 2009, 7:44:36"
- Does anyone know if there is a problem with the 8 years girls pics? (NT) -- Day 3 is now up, but 8 years girls are missing from day 2., Sun, Oct 11 2009, 23:06:07"
- only tuesday is showing for me anyone else have this problem? (NT) -- dancer, Mon, Oct 12 2009, 0:12:58"
  - I am looking at Thursdays photos right now. I agree that it's great to have the numbers divided up so we can find our photos so much faster and I must say there are so many photos of each dancer, so lots to choose from. In years gone by I have sometimes had only 4 or 5 photos of my dd. This time I have found around 30 just of her hardshoe, looking for soft shoe now. So no complaints from me. (NT) -- -, Mon, Oct 12 2009, 0:37:56"
    - In my opinion its quality not quantity. I've been looking at my photos all this morning and although I've found more than 20 for my hard shoe and around the same for my soft, there's a total of about three good photos. And that's just good, not great. It's nice that they take a whole lot of photos but judging from the quality it looks like they've just held down the button on the camera and taken a few shots at random (NT) -- not happy, Mon, Oct 12 2009, 1:16:47"
      - I think action shots are just pot luck anyway. there have been years when the other photographer was doing it that I have not had a single decent photo of my dd and subsequently didn't order. I don't think it matters who takes them. (NT) -- -, Mon, Oct 12 2009, 4:47:45"
Just listed for sale, a one owner, almost new Jess Knight dress. Very elegant and unique for teen dancer. Bargain price -- Click here for email to seller, Sun, Oct 11 2009, 19:43:47"

http://www.dance.net/topic/8582288/1/Dresses-Costumes/Nearly-new-elegant-Jess-Knight-dress-for-sophisticated-teen-dancer.html&replies=1

Please contact me through dance.net or the email link above.

Thank you.

[Edit]
can we please get a dance of champs on youtube that hasnt cut out half of them!!! -- seniior dancer, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 11:25:08"
[Edit]

Replies:
- yes i agree i think the other champions deserve to be shown and not cut out because there were other champions as well. (NT) -- .., Sat, Oct 10 2009, 22:45:58"
  - No one said the video the Simpson School recorded was an 'official' video or anything. They filmed their champions and then posted what they had recorded on Youtube so everyone else could see the beginning and end. (NT) -- Be thankful we at least have some of it., Sun, Oct 11 2009, 1:04:02"
  - Full video is up. Now you can stop whingeing. (NT) -- htty, Sun, Oct 11 2009, 13:43:17"
- Well perhaps their schools would like to put them up. (NT) -- They don't seem to be in any great hurry to recognise their champions., Sat, Oct 10 2009, 23:16:46"
- Monica replied earlier that she would try to put up a full version when she could. (NT) -- Some people are so rude, the step about that is up is not the official version just one from the Simpson School, better than nothing., Sun, Oct 11 2009, 0:20:48"
  - We videod it and it's pretty good so we will try to put it up for everyone. It focusses just a bit on our own daughter though! (NT) -- Parent., Sun, Oct 11 2009, 0:56:12"
- These posts are so rude. The original youtube video was made for the Simpson school, this is why it only shows those dancers. Saying schools don't want to recognise their champions is so ridiculous! I don;t know what is wrong with people lately, demanding photos, demanding videos, if you want to see the action you should atend the event, if you don;t attend then you should be patient and let people get home and their lives sorted out and give them a chance to answer your rude demands. I am sure families have many more important things than posting videos to keep anon rude posters happy. (NT) -- Be patient!, Sun, Oct 11 2009, 2:29:06"
- I posted the step about video for my nan and for the dancers in our school who werent able to be there on the night. I posted the video to my facebook and people then posted it to the message boards. Unfortunately my camera wont take long videos therefor only the Simpson dancers are shown. This was meant as no disrespect to the other champion dancers. Like my mum mentioned in a previous post, we do have the full version on our video camera, I just dont know how to put in on to youtube! (NT) -- Kathleen Simpson (simpsondance), Sun, Oct 11 2009, 3:17:18"
Amazing to see such good embroidered vests for the gents this year! -- Mum, Sun, Oct 11 2009, 8:24:14"
Has anyone got any links to any please??

[Edit]

Replies:
- I'd like to know where they get them. are they custom made? (NT) -- Irish Mum, Sun, Oct 11 2009, 8:57:01"
- Mine was custom made we created a design then chose colours and got it embroidered! A heap of effort but seeing the finished product was awesome! (NT) -- Dancer, Sun, Oct 11 2009, 9:04:55"
  - Elevation make them (NT) -- ., Sun, Oct 11 2009, 9:06:12"
- My favourites are http://www.swoose.net/IRISHDANCING/2009/Nationals2009FridayAM/target19.html and http://www.swoose.net/IRISHDANCING/2009/Nationals2009SaturdayAM/target15.html (NT) -- The blonde boy in the first one and the blue, black and white vest in the second, Sun, Oct 11 2009, 9:12:37"
  - Blonde boy is me:) haha glad you like it!!!! (NT) -- Andrew, Sun, Oct 11 2009, 10:07:07"
  - The black and white one is an Elevation. Its very elegant and smart. (NT) -- :), Sun, Oct 11 2009, 10:11:15"
    - Brent Pace looked and WAS amazing.....such a showman and such a gracious champion. (NT) -- Aisling fan., Sun, Oct 11 2009, 11:28:25"
- The little guys in the 7 years were really cute. Loved the 4 hand they did as well. (NT) -- ., Sun, Oct 11 2009, 12:48:12"
2010? -- -, Thu, Oct 08 2009, 22:51:35"
So what is the latest, are we any closer to finding out officially where the Nationals will be held next year?

[Edit]

Replies:
- Bali (NT) -- !!!, Thu, Oct 08 2009, 23:18:42"
- Can we have serious replies please, I need to put in for annual leave 12 months in advance so it would be very helpful to have this information asap. Thanks. (NT) -- -, Thu, Oct 08 2009, 23:28:59"
- 12 months? Seriously? Wow I wouldn't put up with that, your boss is mean (NT) -- -, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 0:02:53"
- Can you just put in the dates that coincide with the school holidays? Nationals are always held during that period. (NT) -- That's what I am doing., Fri, Oct 09 2009, 1:11:13"
  - Doesn't it depend on what state they are in? I don't think it was school holidays in Victoria when we were there. People are saying it may not be Sydney so we can't be 100% sure to book during the NSW school holidays if it may be in a different state, heard rumours the venue/state may be changed. (NT) -- -, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 2:04:59"
    - I heard that there is a venue in sydney booked, but it may be changed to qld? (NT) -- who knows. we'll just have to wait & see :), Fri, Oct 09 2009, 2:10:36"
    - I have attended the past three Nationals and they have always been in the second week of the Victorian school holidays. And yes, this year's nationals were in the second week of the Victorian school holidays. We all went back to school on the Monday. So, it doesn't matter which state they are held in. (NT) -- sorry, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 3:28:38"
  - For as long as I can remember, it has always been the week leading up to the Labour Day long weekend ie. first weekend in October. (NT) -- except in 2000 when it was in June for the Olympics, Sat, Oct 10 2009, 3:21:04"
- They have had The Hills centre booked for 18 months. (NT) -- :), Fri, Oct 09 2009, 2:25:19"
  - ...and I heard that they may have been cancelled and they are looking into other options.... (NT) -- ..it would be nice it AIDA just made an announcement - anything would be better than rumours., Fri, Oct 09 2009, 3:01:39"
    - AIDA will make an announcement when everything is finalised. (NT) -- & as soon as they do, people will start their whinging again!, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 3:50:28"
      - Amen! (NT) -- God bless them, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 4:58:07"
- Just looked at hotels near the Hills Centre, there seems to only be 2 hotels that are quite expensive, can any locals give suggestions of nearby suburbs that would be close? I have no idea about Sydney and what is where. (NT) -- -, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 5:16:57"
  - The hills centre is in Castle Hill, a north-west suburb of sydney, about 45 mins to 1 hour drive from the CBD -- more inside, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 10:04:03"
- IF SYDNEY CBD IS TOO EXPENSIVE THEN LETS GO TO THE GOLD COAST (NT) -- THE HILLS CENTRE IS WAY TOO SMALL. IF WE WERE ALLOWED TO VOTE, I GO FOR QUEENSLAND. LET THE WHOLE FAMILY ENJOY THE NATIONALS, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 23:15:48"
  - I absolutely agree. Queensland is much more fun for the whole family. Some family members can't stand six days straight of irish dancing music :D (despite wanting to support the dancers) (NT) -- lets make nationals fun :), Sat, Oct 10 2009, 4:39:59"
- WOLLONGONG ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE (NT) -- Affordable for all., Fri, Oct 09 2009, 23:28:45"
  - These days we need 2 halls, so wollongong wouldn't be suitable (NT) -- otherwise we need extra days, Sat, Oct 10 2009, 0:55:40"
    - Wollongong has a seperate room where a recall stage could be set up (NT) -- Like this yr, Sun, Oct 11 2009, 6:14:10"
- I vote just have it in Geelong again, the venue was perfect, just get a better set stage and there would be no complaints at all. (NT) -- -, Sat, Oct 10 2009, 1:06:37"
  - no thankyou. there was nothing to do in geelong. the gold coast is a perfect venue and the whole family can enjoy it (NT) -- ., Sat, Oct 10 2009, 3:17:24"
    - You are just not open minded. I found lots of things to do with the family in Geelong, next time just look around. (NT) -- hmmm, Sat, Oct 10 2009, 8:52:25"
      - Geelong venue was perfectly ok - I didn't hear many complaints and the dancers loved the main stage. Recall hall wasn't so good but at least AIDA tried! (NT) -- IDer :), Sun, Oct 11 2009, 6:20:14"
- From Perth we had to fly to Melbourne and on to Hobart, then Melbourne and drive to Geelong now you want us to fly to Sydney and drive to Wollongong. Give us a break!!! At least in Perth we were able to provide a "proper" venue not a basketball stadium and there was always stacks of accommodation near the venues. We will be paying air fares three years in a row and there's no cheapies either!!! (NT) -- Perth DM, Sat, Oct 10 2009, 2:16:14"
  - Perth for 2010! (NT) -- The best place for the nationals, Sat, Oct 10 2009, 5:19:42"
    - GOLD COAST GOLD COAST GOLD COAST GOLD COASTGOLD COAST GOLD COASTGOLD COAST GOLD COASTGOLD COAST GOLD COASTGOLD COAST GOLD COASTGOLD COAST GOLD COASTGOLD COAST GOLD COASTGOLD COAST GOLD COASTGOLD COAST GOLD COASTGOLD COAST GOLD COASTGOLD COAST GOLD COASTGOLD COAST GOLD COAST (NT) -- ........., Sat, Oct 10 2009, 22:30:00"
      - Yes! *Puts hand up for the nationals being in the Gold Coast (NT) -- gold COast 05 was the best!, Sun, Oct 11 2009, 7:19:36"
        
        yes, definetly 2005 was my favourite nationals (NT) -- gold coast is cool, Sun, Oct 11 2009, 8:42:01"
- We can ask all we like but of course getting a suitable venue with less than 12 months notice will not be easy. I just vote for anywhere that has a big enough venue with good stages and plenty of accomodation near by. I bet the Perth and Gold Coast convention centres are booked out years in advance. Sydney would be great and very convenient but the accomodation looks like it will be a problem and Sydney traffic doesn't really allow for staying too far away from the venue. (NT) -- -, Sat, Oct 10 2009, 6:24:15"
- As soon as AIDA has confirmed a Venue they will let us know, there is no point in guessing, we just have to be patient. None of the teachers know yet. (NT) -- TCRG, Sat, Oct 10 2009, 6:56:27"
- Maybe this secret society that is AIDA Inc is past it's use by date. Too much power for too few people? Just makes you wonder. If they haven't even got next year organised and they were going to be the experts who could do it so much better than when individual states ran their own championships, what's the advantage of letting them run the show now. At least the rotation let states go ahead and organise a venue years ahead, like it happens in the real world. (NT) -- Perth DM, Sat, Oct 10 2009, 7:59:45"
  - from a dancers point of view, the only venue i didn't like was the Netball stadium in S.A (which they have never booked again - because contrary to what this board seems to publicise - the teachers do care about their dancers!!) every other year has been fine and this year was great. (NT) -- If worse comes to worse, lets go back to Geelong - you've got a year to solve the set dance stage problem., Sat, Oct 10 2009, 9:29:10"
    - Doesn't take a year to fix the set stage problem.....The Arena people purchased the wrong tarquette.......easily fixed! (NT) -- Unfortunate....but that's life!, Sat, Oct 10 2009, 22:32:55"
- What about the new Melbourne Convention Centre? I know they wouldn't take bookings for this years Nationals because they did not have a completion date which was expected to be about June this year IF my memory serves me well. Considering this, they may have space available because people had to look elsewhere for venues as we did with The Arena. (NT) -- Worth a phone call at least., Sat, Oct 10 2009, 22:30:09"
  - That is a really good point! (NT) -- pleased, Sat, Oct 10 2009, 22:31:49"
  - they are booked for the next few years. AIDA could consider a booking for the 1st year it is available though (NT) -- at least it would be central with accommodation close by & hire cars not needed, Sun, Oct 11 2009, 7:07:37"
- To the person from Perth whinging about flying and then travelling to venues... do you think the rest of us snap our fingers and "poof" we are there???? It doesn't matter which state you live in we all have to travel to the hosting state and you get your turn. (NT) -- Mum, Sat, Oct 10 2009, 23:49:50"
- Excuse me. I wasn't whinging, Many eastern states dancers can drive to other states and can access cheap airfares. Dancers from Perth can't. Did I say I wanted the championships in Perth? We just want to be able to pay one airfare and stay close to the venue. Melbourne Convention Centre would cost too much. AIDA Inc need to show a profit to prove that they are viable so the only alternative is cheap venues. (NT) -- Perth DM, Sun, Oct 11 2009, 3:09:35"
  - And what do you think it's like when we have to travel over there? (NT) -- we're all in the same boat really, Sun, Oct 11 2009, 8:46:12"
- come on!! Its sydneys/NSW turn!!!!!!!! we have traveled to the gold coast since it was in sydney last time! give us NSW people a break and stop knocking it like you did Geelong and it was really good after all the whinging! I hope it is in the hills district !!!!It is a lovely safe part of sydney with lots to do. There is a caravan park at dural! and try stayz.com . I got fantastic accom for the nationals and cheap as chips through that!! (NT) -- chill everyone, Sun, Oct 11 2009, 9:53:22"
  - I would not be happy leaving a $2000 dress in a tent, and I am guessing the caravan park doesn't have millions of cabins or caravans (NT) -- ..., Sun, Oct 11 2009, 12:31:45"
Does anybody know the official hotel for the worlds this year? -- ID, Sun, Oct 11 2009, 11:45:07"
Would be great to know x

[Edit]

Replies:
- Last time the worlds was in Glasgow the official hotel was The Thistle. (NT) -- hth, Sun, Oct 11 2009, 12:11:55"
  - Also meant to say that i think it would be the official hotel again next year. (NT) -- hth, Sun, Oct 11 2009, 12:13:11"
I know the tuesday photos are uploaded, -- Interested, Thu, Oct 08 2009, 7:50:22"
but when are the rest of the Winkipop photos going to be uploaded? They said thursday, but only the tuesday photos have been uploaded. Does anyone know?

[Edit]

Replies:
- does anyone know the password? (NT) -- dm, Thu, Oct 08 2009, 8:10:00"
- Somebody has put the password inside a post further down the page (NT) -- dm, Thu, Oct 08 2009, 8:22:17"
- thanks very much (NT) -- dm, Thu, Oct 08 2009, 10:21:03"
- STILL WAITING !!!!!!!!! Nothing has been loaded for over 24hrs. (NT) -- The suspence is killing me! LOL!, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 1:08:58"
- The website isn't even working for me now! I even emailed winkipop and they just sent me the password?? Which did not help at all. (NT) -- IDM, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 2:39:37"
- Still unable to get into it!! (NT) -- IDD, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 5:06:12"
- Its not actually Winkipop system that is down, its the picture system website where they put their photos, that is down. (NT) -- ?????, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 9:07:40"
- Winkiplop picture site is working again...but still only tuesday photos!! This is ridiculous!!! (NT) -- please don't book these ppl again Aida!!, Sat, Oct 10 2009, 3:46:05"
- I'm annoyed that it's taken so long to put the photos online, but looking at the Tuesday pictures, I have to say that the quantity and quality of these photos are much better than last years. (NT) -- H, Sat, Oct 10 2009, 4:23:55"
- WEDNESDAY pics now up. finally progress of some sort! (NT) -- ., Sat, Oct 10 2009, 5:37:09"
- Give them a break, sometimes things happen with websites that are out of the control of the business owner, I am sure they are doing everythng possible to get the photos up asap. (NT) -- -, Sat, Oct 10 2009, 6:18:19"
- Set Dances -- kelsey, Sat, Oct 10 2009, 8:07:24"
  - There were no photographers in the set dance hall, which was a real shame considering individual dancers could have had the photographer's full attention during their dances. (NT) -- H, Sat, Oct 10 2009, 8:12:19"
    - I didn't realise this, this is very disappointing. (NT) -- ., Sat, Oct 10 2009, 8:36:22"
    - What about in the main arena? :| -- KT, Sat, Oct 10 2009, 10:35:31"
- Was wondering if full results from Nationals are anywhere, while there is a heading on the official site you cannot click on so useless really. (NT) -- Is there anywhere full results are listed, Sat, Oct 10 2009, 8:41:55"
  - On the AIDAinc home page, scroll down and you'll find full results. (NT) -- I think they're full, I only took a quick glance., Sat, Oct 10 2009, 8:50:13"
- not all of wednesday photos are up, missing 8's girls (NT) -- must be technical problems, Sun, Oct 11 2009, 1:26:19"
I was wondering for the NANs do you have to qualify in order to dance? -- Dancer, Sat, Oct 10 2009, 13:30:49"
[Edit]

Replies:
- No, not from here. Up to your teacher, really. (NT) -- K, Sat, Oct 10 2009, 13:40:23"
Found at the Arena.....one medium size gold hoop earing,i have it with me and happy to post it to you if its yours -- Marg, Sat, Oct 10 2009, 11:02:26"
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about how much money is a dress made by liz davis/siopa gindi -- ?, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 16:24:26"
thanks!

[Edit]

Replies:
- bump (NT) -- interested, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 23:38:29"
- You would be best to contact Liz Davis. (NT) -- ., Sat, Oct 10 2009, 0:53:48"
Congratulations Peta! -- Catherine N, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 23:58:43"
I just wanted to say a BIG congratulations to Peta Van Rijswijck (former Simpson dancer) who is getting married to Paddy in Canberra today. Hope it is just a brilliant day for you guys and I wish I could be there! xx

[Edit]

Replies:
- hope your day is lovely Peta. Hugs all around xoxo (NT) -- Kathy and Rebekah R, Sat, Oct 10 2009, 0:02:02"
- Thinking of you from NY on your special day Nan. So sorry I cannot be there to celebrate in style. (NT) -- Ellen xx, Sat, Oct 10 2009, 0:49:32"
photos -- dancer, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 23:56:42"
when will winkipop have the photos up of all age groups

[Edit]
Hi everyone it's Zac...I lost my Black DC Hat at the Nationals. Black with a red DC emblem on the front. It cost my Dad lots of money and i really want to find it. It's my favourite hat. If anyone picked it up ir saw please email my mummy. maura_mcaleer@yahoo.com.au. -- thanks Zac, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 6:11:21"
[Edit]

Replies:
- bump (NT) -- :(, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 23:41:54"
im having a lot of trouble accessing winkipop? anyone else having this trouble -- dancer, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 13:12:47"
[Edit]

Replies:
- yes (NT) -- tried everything nothing working, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 13:16:56"
- its driving me mad. (NT) -- ;;, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 14:50:16"
- YES! I can get onto the website but I cannot "view and order your photos here" Arghhhhhhhhhh! (NT) -- dancer!, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 21:46:37"
New FREE MUSIC from Mark Arrington for a limited time. -- Mark Arrington, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 13:35:26"
My new CD "CHAMPTRAX" will be released in the next few weeks. The CD is mostly championship-length tunes played once, twice, and three times through. There are also four non-championship-length tune tracks. Until the release, you can download the non-championship-length tune tracks from the CD for free from the “Music Samples” page of my site www.markarringtonmusic.com. The tunes are jigs (113 bpm, 5+ minutes), single jigs (120, bpm 4+ minutes), reels (113 bpm, 4+ minutes), and hornpipes (138 bpm, 6 minutes). If you want any of these at a different speed you can order them on the “Order Music and Stuff” page.

[Edit]
So many brilliant new team costumes this year. My favourites were Rabusin for more formal and Simpson for more contemporary. -- also loved Scol Ard, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 9:54:07"
[Edit]

Replies:
- do you have any links to these dresses?? (NT) -- I live far away & don't know the team dresses thanks, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 10:20:40"
- Here is a link to the new Simpson team dresses http://www.swoose.net/IRISHDANCING/2009/Nationals2009Sunday/target100.html (NT) -- -, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 10:47:33"
- Rabusin dresses: http://www.swoose.net/IRISHDANCING/2009/Nationals2009ThursdayPM-teams/target206.html Simpson dresses: http://www.swoose.net/IRISHDANCING/2009/Nationals2009ThursdayPM-teams/target228.html (NT) -- hth, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 10:58:36"
- thank you so much! they are gorgeous! (NT) -- OP, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 12:12:59"
- Agree !! Both schools looked great. And although the school dresses were not new for 2009 I really like the Christine Ayres School dresses and the new Halloran School dresses. (NT) -- So many lovely ones, I will remember more later!, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 12:29:21"
- Yes both both rabusin and simpson team dresses looked great! I also loved the new Halloran dresses too! (NT) -- dm, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 13:27:11"
  - oops! *both rabusin and simpson team dresses looked great! (NT) -- lol! dm, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 13:28:59"
Dissapointed -- id fan, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 10:56:47"
What a sad sport Irish Dancing has become when a simple question posted on an open message board has to be taken off because 1 or 2 people take it the wrong way. There is no malice and it is a question that a lot of dancers like to know ....there are no secrets in Irish Dancing.....

[Edit]

Replies:
- dissapointed -- dd, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 11:22:19"
- what are you talking about? (NT) -- -, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 12:27:01"
New dress style -- ., Fri, Oct 09 2009, 12:05:21"
I really like the new style of dress with the long bodices. They are so flattering!

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Winkipop flops!!! Can't even get the link with the images!! Is this just a delay tactic now??? -- waiting!!!, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 12:03:12"
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www.deancrouch.co.uk - cd's, downloads - immediate - sets at every speed, ringtones for your phone. All your music requirements; a nice site to visit! -- www.deancrouch.co.uk, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 10:01:42"
[Edit]
transfers -- id mum, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 7:57:48"
So any one heard of any dancers transfers yet? Whats the goss??????

[Edit]

Replies:
- Do you know how hard it is to transfer emotionally? This is not attacking I just know when my daughter transfer it was a very hard time and all she wanted to do was settle in first before announcing it to the world Maybe a little bit of privacy unless a dancer herself/himself wants to announce it. It should only be their place to announce it not be 'outed' by previous school or new school. (NT) -- Give them time to find their feet, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 8:09:36"
- transfer -- interested, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 8:23:40"
  - Have you yourself ever transferred schools? Until you do, you won't know how exceedingly difficult it is to do so, even if you know it is for the best. (NT) -- Let those who transfer do so in peace. We really don't need to know., Fri, Oct 09 2009, 8:41:20"
- Moderator, could you please remove this thread before it gets out of hand. Transferring is a very inflamatory issue. Thank you (NT) -- TCRG, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 9:49:38"
sorry to post this message again, i have not found the owner of the Nationals hoodie left behind in the change room. it would have to belong to a dancer that was in the step about. please contact me if it belongs to you. -- Donna Makin, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 9:37:50"
[Edit]
Teachers and their children -- -, Thu, Oct 08 2009, 7:20:37"
My only complaint about Nationals and it happens EVERY year is when AIDA members have their children sitting with them in the Teachers seats. I know it is for teachers and their guests BUT it is just not right that their children sit in the front row all week in full view of the adjudicators. If teachers want to sit with their children they should then sit up in the bleachers with the rest of the Mum's and Dad's.

[Edit]

Replies:
- Do you mean their actual children or their dancers? (NT) -- -, Thu, Oct 08 2009, 7:26:01"
- I think the adjudicators know who are the teachers kids. (NT) -- It doesn't matter where they sit., Thu, Oct 08 2009, 7:29:37"
- How would they know? (NT) -- Unless the teachers told them, which they shouldnt, Thu, Oct 08 2009, 8:24:32"
  - That was in reply to the previous post sorry (NT) -- :), Thu, Oct 08 2009, 8:25:39"
- although it may seem a problem im sure it doesnt make too much of a difference. The practise hall was more the problem. (NT) -- just enjoy nationals., Thu, Oct 08 2009, 8:28:10"
- Absolutely and utterly insulted by this! Not to mention how insulting this is to the judges. (NT) -- Dancer, Thu, Oct 08 2009, 8:37:14"
  - I dont get it, how are you insulted and how are the judges insulted? (NT) -- confused haha, Thu, Oct 08 2009, 9:04:40"
- I have a query -what about the teachers who have dancing students who came & sat with them? Right in front of the view of the adjudicators. I'm a teacher's daughter, however I don't dance anymore, and I saw plenty of students, in dresses, sitting down with their teachers. how is this any different? If you are going to insinuate that the judges give results on teachers children, then the same can be said when a student sits with them. Personally, i do believe the adjudicators have more morals than to judge on who they know. In fact, I know they do. Again, jealousy is a rough thing.. isn't it? (NT) -- Ex- dancer, Thu, Oct 08 2009, 9:16:33"
  - NOPE !!! Not jealous, we just want a level playing field for all. There are very few teachers who "PARADE" their little darlings and being an ex-dancer you would obviously know what goes on. The front seats should be for teachers only and not their children and dancers. I am not jealous of anyone. (NT) -- And what was the problem with the practise area?, Thu, Oct 08 2009, 10:06:26"
  - Ummmm... the adjudicators have their backs to the seats and I haven't yet met an adjudicator with eyes in the back of their head! I'm sure the adjudicators have better things on their minds than checking out the teachers seating area to see which dancers are sitting there. (NT) -- Please give them more credit than that., Thu, Oct 08 2009, 10:12:50"
    - There were seats to the sides of the adjudicators on the ground level. (NT) -- ., Fri, Oct 09 2009, 4:48:05"
  - Teachers with children dancing need be seen to be above reproach. Comes with the territory. And most teachers were. (NT) -- Spectator, Thu, Oct 08 2009, 10:23:15"
  - i believe you may be alone here on this one... most of us believe that the adjudicators are above that. It doesn't matter where anyone sits, the judges interact with all the teachers throughout the championship, so it really doesn't make a difference. (NT) -- they have better values obviously, Thu, Oct 08 2009, 10:47:20"
- sorry i ment recall hall. This is ridiculous. Everyone just take note to self that next year no one can get jellous or have any problems. (NT) -- also i agree with above poster. Judges are more professional than that., Thu, Oct 08 2009, 10:25:46"
- I was in the hall for much of the competition and I didn't see Tara Dunn, Chloe Pierce or Conor Simpson down on the front seats once (NT) -- Don't tar them all with the same brush, Thu, Oct 08 2009, 11:43:55"
- Or Brent Pace for that matter. (NT) -- Great dancers regardless of who their mum or dad is., Thu, Oct 08 2009, 11:45:44"
- Unless the seats have a sign on them saying 'Teachers Only' (which they didn't), then anyone can sit in them. And I really doubt the adjudicators have time to turn around whilst judging dancing to see who is sitting with who. (NT) -- This is literally the most ridiculous complaint ever., Thu, Oct 08 2009, 12:12:44"
- FYI: Many many years ago (as a very young dancer) my dance teacher at the time purposely paraded me around at the front of the hall at the nationals to make sure one of the judges (a personal OS friend) got to see which dancer I was. If it happened back then, I am sure it still would happen on some occassion (with some teachers - not all). (NT) -- Shame, shame, shame., Thu, Oct 08 2009, 13:04:16"
- So where are the teachers children meant to be if not with their parents - or is it OK for teachers kids to be left to their own devices and left to run around unsupervised, rather than occupying a few seats? Give adults some credit please. Next you will be upset that the kids are unsupervised! (NT) -- ADs are not stupid, they don't fall for those sort of 'tricks', Thu, Oct 08 2009, 14:37:59"
- teachers children -- dancer, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 3:40:16"
  - seriously can you actually say that any teacher's children got placed well only because the judge knew who they were from seeing them sitting at the front?! no. That's because the teachers children that placed well were actually talented and beautiful dancers and deserved to be placed well. (NT) -- dancer, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 3:42:50"
    - and if you look at the results, plenty of teachers children didn't not win or place in the top 5 (NT) -- Everyone is judged on their talent, not who they are or who they know, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 3:53:37"
      - opps, meant to be did not (NT) -- :), Fri, Oct 09 2009, 3:55:11"
- I think teachers kids are fine to sit there, but not in their dresses. It doesn't say anything about the judging, but I just think it gives the wrong image. I agree with the OP, if teachers want to sit with their kids, they can do it with the other mums and dads. Anna Rabusin for one was sitting in the stalls with Brent Pace for a lot of the competition, why can't everyone just do this? (NT) -- dancer, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 5:20:33"
  - You can't expect younger teachers children to sit by themselves as for not being in dresses how can they do that? Before a dance after each dance they go back to their mum who happens to be their teacher. I do not believe that it counts for anything. a ADCRG will recognise the style before the child Let them sit with mum I have no issue with it (NT) -- These are kids, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 8:06:27"
- I agree with the above post, i think that most students of teachers are extremely talented. I would love to know who you are trying to accuse of this, and back it up with valid rebuttal - i.e. winning places. and the fact that teachers' children have won in previous years with different panels of judges... maybe they are actually talented. Way to petty to be a post on this board (NT) -- dancer, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 6:48:49"
  - *i meant children of teachers (NT) -- -oops above post, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 6:50:13"
Milton you are a champion. -- We were so overcome with excitement when Shaun won the 13 boys that we missed what you captured in your photos , especially the surprised look when he was announced as winner., Wed, Oct 07 2009, 11:25:24"
[Edit]

Replies:
- if only winkiflop could have done any good photos! (NT) -- btw shaun's dancing was amazing, Wed, Oct 07 2009, 12:24:53"
  - Thanks for the compliment (NT) -- btw who is it ?, Thu, Oct 08 2009, 7:32:33"
  - And, whomever is answering for me, please don't. (NT) -- Milton Baar, Thu, Oct 08 2009, 8:08:28"
- shaun danced amazingly. And he deserves to have won it. congratulations shaunny. love you! (NT) -- lauren., Thu, Oct 08 2009, 14:14:22"
- Milton is the absolute best!!! (NT) -- thanks for all the brilliant photos., Fri, Oct 09 2009, 7:03:30"
Dance of Champions is on Youtube, thanks to Simpsondance -- DD, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 5:38:57"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzNfuM5Oqng

[Edit]

Replies:
- Sorry edited version (NT) -- DD, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 5:42:10"
  - Does anyone have the non-edited version?? (NT) -- please, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 6:33:53"
- yeah if anyone has the whole thing, would love to see it on youtube... (NT) -- ---, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 6:43:31"
- I do have the full version on my American video camera, don't ask, but will have to ask one of my wonderful mums to put it on disk for me. I will get one of the kids to put it up when this is done. (NT) -- Monica Simpson, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 7:02:18"
Found at Nationals - Small black velvet pouch with three pairs of earrings. Please email me if you lost them. -- ID mum melbourne, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 2:22:01"
[Edit]

Replies:
- bump (NT) -- :), Fri, Oct 09 2009, 5:49:10"
Tackling the big issues -- Senior dancer, Wed, Oct 07 2009, 13:13:14"
This is a long one - see inside first message.

[Edit]

Replies:
- Tackling the big issues - inside -- Senior dancer, Wed, Oct 07 2009, 13:14:33"
  - I think you are spot on, it's a shame that some kids don't think they can have a good time without drinking and a shame their parents don't think it's wrong. -- mum, Wed, Oct 07 2009, 13:30:56"
- Senior Dancer, I think your concerns are valid and justified. As the mum of a 13 year old dancer, I was really concerned to see photos today of well-known dancers drinking. I was surprised to see in the corner of one photo was a parent taking the same shot. My family didn't attend the Ceili this year, because of the behaviour we witnessed last year. Its a fact of life that kids will sneak off and drink, but that doesn't make it right, and the adults in charge are not right to condone it. I also worry about the example being set for the much younger crowd. (NT) -- Worried Mum, Wed, Oct 07 2009, 13:34:14"
  - wow, I didn't attend the nationals this year. Thank you for bringing this matter up. I hope someone at AIDA reads your concerns (perhaps post a letter to them so it does get talked about in meetings) (NT) -- To quote Derrin Hinch: Shame, shame, shame., Wed, Oct 07 2009, 13:49:33"
    - Yes, it should be discussed and they really need to do something about it. My family didn't attend this year and I'm glad we went elsewhere. I think this problem is way more serious than the "photography issues" (NT) -- .., Wed, Oct 07 2009, 23:48:29"
- I have seen pictures of a well known U15 dancer + friends that hid out in the disabled toilets with their 'cruisers' If I can find them as a parent how easy is it for my younger daughter who looks up to these girls to find these pictures and say 'She does it at Ceili so why shouldn't I "? (NT) -- Girls look at your pictures you have taken. Squashed into the disabled toilet drinking. Its not a pretty sight. I will not be able to look at these girls as role models for my daughter anymore. Shame, Wed, Oct 07 2009, 22:18:39"
  - Please don't get me wrong, I am in no way defending this group of girls but I am sure they were all 15 years dancers and not U15. And who purchased their alcohol for them? ? ? (NT) -- I am not defending them in any way, I would just like to make sure good reputations are not tarnished., Wed, Oct 07 2009, 23:04:32"
    - Even if they are 15, they're still under age. How does that make it any better?...exactly, it doesnt. (NT) -- ., Fri, Oct 09 2009, 1:49:32"
- Unfortunately this happens every year. I no longer dance, by my dance career spanned my the late 1980's to the early 2000's. And i honestly believe that this needs to be policed. Put the same limitiations as what a nightclub does, place wrist bands on those who are old enough to drink, and if you are underage and get caught, you should be removed along with your parents/guardians who are meant to be there to keep an eye on you. Liquor licensing laws are there to protect the consumer and the supplier, so imagine the Arena's position on this. (NT) -- Oldie, Wed, Oct 07 2009, 23:07:14"
  - I really feel we should lead by example. (NT) -- I do not agree with the Bar opening at 1p.m. each day. I think it should open at 6p.m. at the earliest if at all!, Thu, Oct 08 2009, 0:32:21"
    - I don't think older dancers and adults should be forced to watch what they drink. It is up to the parents of a child to teach them the correct behaviour (NT) -- Don't make adults suffer, Thu, Oct 08 2009, 0:44:11"
      - Maybe "suffer" was the wrong choice of words for you but really, if adults can't wait until 6pm for their first alcoholic drink and need to drink at 1pm at a childrens event, there is a bigger problem here. I too was suprised to see people drinking so early in the day. This event is for the children. (NT) -- -, Thu, Oct 08 2009, 0:56:16"
        
        There is nothing wrong with having a drink at lunch time. Everything is fine in moderation, its the kids to watch out for though (NT) -- Don't forget, it's a long week for the parents too, they need to wind down too, Thu, Oct 08 2009, 2:12:56"
        
        I am a dancer and I am not a child, I don't think we should feel bad about sitting down and having if we have finished dancing or do not get a recall, which happened to me and it was about 2/3pm (NT) -- -, Thu, Oct 08 2009, 2:33:13"
  - AIDA have used wristbands for several years now to establish who is overage. (NT) -- bands are not the issue (not that they do much), Thu, Oct 08 2009, 3:36:52"
- When I entered the ceili, there were so many people trying to get through, ID's werent even being checked by the people working on the door. As a result, I saw a handful of under age dancers receive green wrist bands. (NT) -- old timer, Thu, Oct 08 2009, 1:00:53"
  - AIDA has a duty of care to children and there are legal implications here. I'm sure that now the issue has been brought out into the open AIDA will address it. There are legal requirements regarding the consumption of alcohol around children. AIDA also has a duty of care at an event such as the Ceili. Minors should be identified as such. (NT) -- I'm so glad to see that adults are taking responsibility around this issue, we must continue to do so until it is resolved!, Thu, Oct 08 2009, 1:50:27"
- I have 2 under age dancers, and I know for a fact that another adult bought one of my dancers a drink. I told both my children that I did not want them drinking because they would not only embarrass themselves, but also their dancing teacher. I don't know what can be done to stop this, other than no alcohol at all! (NT) -- :, Thu, Oct 08 2009, 1:39:14"
- I saw underage drinking at the Ceili, but I think the issue may be a little over-exaggerated.. The venue was a reasonably safe environment, not many kids were wandering outside with drinks, and if anything went wrong there's a million adults around to help. I'm not condoning underage drinking at all, but we all know it happens.. On a good note, I witnessed a few 14s and 15s NSW dancers decline drinks even though they were receiving pressure from their underage peers. I was very pleased to see these girls act responsibly and maturely, so good on them - not everyone is doing the wrong thing. (NT) -- over 18s dancer, Thu, Oct 08 2009, 1:47:22"
- I heard one parent say on the night that they would much rather see their 16 years dancer drinking here where she is only taking sips of older girls drinks than letting her go to some house party where she has no idea what her daughter is drinking. (NT) -- I thought this was a good point., Thu, Oct 08 2009, 1:51:03"
  - Personally I see it this way. Underage drinking is illegal and should be treated as such. (NT) -- I don't believe that it is right to be "soft" on such an important issue. We should protect our young ones., Thu, Oct 08 2009, 2:02:54"
  - It has been proven that the earlier people drink, the more likely they are to drink more in the future and start a bad habit. (NT) -- Have you seen the ad?, Thu, Oct 08 2009, 2:08:29"
    - i beleive everything i see on tv (NT) -- <00>, Thu, Oct 08 2009, 3:24:52"
  - I agree - I would much rather my daughter does it in a controlled environment where she is responsibly supervised by me rather than behind my back where I have no idea what she is doing. I think its important to teach them to drink safely and responsibly and the only way to do that is to let them do it - but supervise them. That way, surely, they are less inclined to "blow out" when left unsupervised. (NT) -- Just my 2 cents worth., Thu, Oct 08 2009, 3:00:43"
    - I think the issue here is there were underage drinkers at a social event in which AIDA could get in big trouble about. If you want to let your kids drink in a controlled environment, please do it at home!! (NT) -- MHO, Thu, Oct 08 2009, 4:02:14"
      - Who was running the bar - a private operator or AIDA? if it was a private operator doesn't the responsibility lie with them and not AIDA whereas if AIDA were operating the bar, then I assume the responsiblity would be AIDA's? (NT) -- ?, Thu, Oct 08 2009, 4:11:22"
        
        That's correct. It was not AIDA that had the licence (NT) -- -, Thu, Oct 08 2009, 4:17:30"
        yes that would be right but doesn't take into account legal aged dancers buying on behalf on underaged (NT) -- dancers. seen photos of underaged/intoxicated dancers already, Thu, Oct 08 2009, 4:34:19"
        
        then that needs to be taken up with those dancers concerned, their parents/guardians and the bar operators... don't think AIDA should be blamed. (NT) -- ., Thu, Oct 08 2009, 4:50:18"
        
        can you tell me where in my post you've replied to I've said AIDA should be blamed (NT) -- there's nothing there in invisible type, Thu, Oct 08 2009, 4:59:18"
        
        I believe that as a community we can solve this problem. (NT) -- Clearly most people are upset about under age drinking., Thu, Oct 08 2009, 7:08:26"
        
        AIDA would not be blamed, but they would be embarrassed. (NT) -- almost as bad, Thu, Oct 08 2009, 10:21:24"
- Its always happened. Its always been a disgrace... but I think its become more obvious and more widespread over the last 5 or so years. (NT) -- Perhaps we're more aware of it these days thanks to the ease of sharing photos - thanks facebook!, Thu, Oct 08 2009, 9:54:24"
- This problem is easily solved. Don't allow any alcohol at all. Adults and senior dancers who are over 18 are setting a very poor example to younger dancers. (NT) -- After all, we should be leading by example., Fri, Oct 09 2009, 2:26:43"
  - I'm sorry but I don't not think adults and seniors dancers should be stopped from drinking. It is up to a child's parents to teach them the correct way to behave. It is ridiculous to expect adults to not drink, you are the parent therefore you do your own parenting. If you have a problem with adults drinking in front of your child then don't come to the ceili and don't come to dancing comps, in fact don't let them out of the house ever ;-) (NT) -- 1, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 3:14:24"
  - You have got to be kidding. My daughter goes to comps because she likes them. I take her to comps because she can't get herself there. I generally find comps really tedious. They rarely run to time and it the same dancers doing the same dances. A few chardys at a comp keeps me sane (NT) -- parent, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 3:37:32"
    - This is ridiculous, and I find it very offensive that parents and adult dancers are being labelled as being irresponsible. There may be a select few people in these groups who embarrass themselves, but I for one am not one of them. This post started out being about under age drinking. People over 18 are allowed to drink if they want, and however much they want. (NT) -- Get a grip, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 5:57:17"
      - I agree, there is nothing wrong with over 18's drinking. It is however, illegal for under 18's to drink alcohol so any adult that allows this IS being irresponsible. The law is there for a reason. if the drinking age was 14, would you be letting your 10 year olds drink? if you allow a minor to drink you are not teaching them to drink responsibly, you are teaching them to disregard the law and be irresponsible. (NT) -- jmo, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 7:28:09"
        
        Yes but the response was in relation to the suggestion that all adults should not be allowed to drink. No one is saying that underage drinking is ok (NT) -- -, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 7:30:26"
        
        Your focusing on drinking at the ceili which effectively is a end of comp party. What about local feis like WS when it was at the sports club/RSL QLD state at Chandler just to name a few. I know parents who start drinking as soon as the bar opens and some not all just a minority are 'full' and tripping over themselves by early afternoon. Then QIA when the seniors get so 'full' that their dancing at times is a laugh and not in a funny way (NT) -- Why can't we separate drinking from this art form where there are more under 18 dancer than legal ones. I am not against drinking there is just a time and a place, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 7:49:03"
        
        Is it really your place to judge when adults start drinking? (NT) -- ?, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 7:52:36"
        
        no I agree they are adults but why is it necessary to be drinking as soon as the bar opens to the point of tripping over themselves. There are some very nasty parents once they get a few in them that are onl;y to eager to shoot their mouths of under the guise of not knowing what they are saying. Should a young dancer be subjected to that. As for being adults they have every right to drink when they want (NT) -- my question is, is it a necessary part of a feis? Ceili is different as its a end party, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 7:57:18"
        
        It is up to the individual to choose when they drink. If people drink to excess and embarrass themselves it is their own problem. Perhaps explain to this to your children. You cannot take away people's rights to drink, especially when it is in a venue such as an RSL club (NT) -- I don't drink at feis' because I am there to dance, however it does not bother me if others do, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 10:22:43"
        Here we go again...the poor old parents who spend every penny on dancing and every spare moment of leisure time at comps! At least let us have a tiny bit of fun...a chardy with a friend (and fellow Irish dancing parents are often our best friends) is hardly a crime. I think there is more of a problem when you see the TCRG's drinking too much at the bar. That really sets a bad example. I also think it's a worse example to see parents stuffing their faces on terrible fried food in front of dancers. A glass or two of wine is surely OK! Give us a break. (NT) -- Old Irish dancing parent., Fri, Oct 09 2009, 22:19:07"
- I work in hospitality. State and Federal govts. have very strict law's and monetary fines for underage drinking. For example: if alcohol is sold to an underage drinker the licensee will receive an $11,000.00 fine. The bar worker gets fined $1100.00. Also if somebody buys alcohol for underage drinkers the personal fine to them is also $1100.00. There are also intoxication fines to staff and licensees, Responsible Serving of Alcohol laws should always be in place. My Question: were any of these things considered? Please correct me if I'm wrong but. (NT) -- My honest opinion, Fri, Oct 09 2009, 17:14:54"

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