[Tango-L] World Pro-Am Dance Championships in Buenos Aires, February 17-18, 2007

[Janis Kenyon]

This isn't a tango competition; it's a pro-am ballroom competition organized
by the World Dance Council in association with the Argentine Ballroom and
Sport Dance Assn, taking place Feb 17-18 at the Sheraton Retiro in Buenos
Aires.  I first heard about it last year from a ballroom couple in
California who came for a quick dose of Argentine tango in BsAs.  They
compete in pro-am ballroom competitions and have some interesting things to
say about this event:  "The so-called world championships are being
boycotted by most of the international dance organizations, including the
National Dance Council of America, International Dancesport Council, and the
main European body is also boycotting it. Donnie Burns, 15-time World Latin
Champion, is behind the organizers. His former partner, Gaynor Fairweather,
has been found liable for some millions of dollars in dance fees in Hong
Kong.  Perhaps Burns thinks he can get away with it in Argentina.  Some
people will go, but probably not enough to break even."

El Tangauta, a tango magazine in BsAs., has a full-page advertisement for
the competition, which boasts a total cash prize of US$100,000.  I
telephoned the local dance association for information.  I was told that the
preliminary rounds will be held on Saturday, February 17 from 10:00-6:00.
Admission for the general public is 120 pesos.  The finals and exhibitions
will be held on Sunday, February 18 from 8:00pm-12:00am.  The competition on
Saturday, including dinner and evening program with show is US$175 per
person.

Read all about it at www.worlddancesportchampionship.com