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Media Center » Competition News » Nashville StarZ -- January 17th - 21st, 2008
Nashville StarZ -- January 17th - 21st, 2008
- Author:
- Dave Watson
- Date Published:
- January 26, 2008
Jo Ellen & Dave, Beth & Leo, Marina & Gerald, and Julie Vincent (and her daughter Carrie; our own personal make-up artist) all headed “down South” for some good home cookin’ and Ballroom Dancing.
This is second year of this competition under the new ownership of David Hamilton, and clearly, there are still a few bugs to be worked out. More on that in a minute….
First, Beth & Leo were the big winners this time. It was their first time dancing the International Latin, and they won. They beat two other couples to win the American Smooth. They also won the Open Championship American Rhythm Scholarship Division (BIG money!). They also won their International Standard Division. Oh, and both their Solos were VERY well received. They had a busy weekend.
Julie Vincent and I did pretty well. We had some wins and some losses; but, overall, we did pretty well, and, as always, the audience loved her. Any comp we go to, I have more people coming up to Julie and I telling her how much they enjoyed watching her....
Marina & Gerald danced well. Marina always looks so lovely, calm and relaxed. Her movement always seems so effortless. We were on the floor together in the evening, so I didn’t get to see them then, but, in the afternoon, I thought they danced well. Again, mixed results.
Jo Ellen and I didn’t do very well in the afternoon. We danced two rounds, with the first being rougher than the second. However, in the evening, we came out strong and had a really good round. We still ended up with 4th, but we were in good company, we danced well, and that’s OK.
As for the comp itself, there were some moments that were horribly confused and disorganized, and they shouldn’t have been. Although this is only the second year for Mr. Hamilton to be hosting this event, the competition itself has been around for many many years (known formally as “The Dancers’ Cup”). At one point, I changed clothes 4 times before ever dancing! These things are unfortunate, and diminish the experience of the weekend for those participating.
On a brighter note: we still managed to have a blast in Nashville! The hotel was situated right in the heart of downtown Nashville – right around the corner from the old Ryman Auditorium (original home of “The Grand ‘Ol Opry”). This gorgeous old building was originally built as a church. It then housed the Opry for many years before finally being condemned back in the seventees. At that time, “Opryland” was created, and a brand new Theatre was built to house the Opry.
The Ryman Building was never destroyed – it was restored instead, and is a tourist attraction. However, it’s too small for today’s crowds, and the Grand’Ol Opry radio show is still held out at the new auditorium. Except for rare shows that are held every so often at the Ryman building; like when we were there a couple of weeks ago!
WOW! What a treat! To see the Grand ‘Ol Opry in the Ryman building is something to behold. We saw Mel Tillis, Montgomery Gentry, Charlie Pride, Marty Stuart and Connie Smith, The Whites, and so many more. The special occasion was the induction of Charlie Daniels into the Grand ‘Ol Opry, and what a party it was!
You could tell that every performer just loved being there in the old Ryman building. This is the spiritual home of Country Music, and they all knew it. The performers were having a blast, and the audience could feel the energy in that room.
We also got to eat some good Bar-B-Que at the place with the pink flying pigs (don’t ask), and we all bought cowboy boots at some of the shops on Broadway. We ate dinner one night at B.B. King’s place, and then went dancing at the Wild Horse Saloon. (They have life-size horses galloping across the ceiling upside down in that place….)
So, we all had a blast in Nashville, even though the comp itself was slightly flawed. The first few photos are up on the web-site now. (Go to 'Media Center', then click on 'Photo Gallery'.) I'll let you know as we get more photos up there.