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ISSUE № 21, APRIL 2016
“The Sport of Dance Sport”
body of Dance Sport. The outcome is
that many dance organizations have
changed their titles to incorporate the
word sport. This recognition gives the
WDSF, potentially, a unique status.
Despite recognition, Dance Sport has not
yet been included as an official event at
the Olympics but the desire for such by
the fraternity remains alive. International
competitions are mainly two categories
In issue number 11 we featured Dance
of dances, Ballroom (also called Stand-
in general. With the rapid growth in the inter-
ard or Modern) and Latin. In the Ball-
est of the discipline we now share a little
room dances, men typically wear evening
more specific to Dance Sport. The name
is allowed than in the Standard dances. Cho-
dress (coattails, waistcoats and white bow
Dance Sport was created to help competitive
reography is now extremely important as
ties), while women wear gowns. Partners
ballroom dancing gain Olympic Recogni-
there is no obligation to move in any pre-set
remain in closed position throughout the
tion. After a long campaign In September
manner round the floor.The National Ball-
dance, and movements tend to be elegant and
1997, the International Olympic Committee
room Dance Association of Trinidad and To-
sweeping. The ballroom dances are progres-
(IOC) recognized the International Dance
bago (NABDATT) is the local body respon-
sive, moving anti-clockwise round the floor.
Sport Federation (IDSF) as the sole repre-
sible for Dance Sport in T&T but it should
The Latin dances, such as the Samba and the
sentative body for dance sport. The IDSF
also be noted that many other associations
Paso Doble, are more overtly sensual, with
now called the World Dance Sport Federa-
exists .to further the cause.
skimpy costumes for women and tight-fitting
tion (WDSF) is the international governing
ones for men. More variation in movement
Cover Photo by Gemme De Fue
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