FREESTYLE DISCO HIP HOP SLOWDANCE ROCK N' ROLL SHOWDANCE
DANCE SUPREME IRELAND
C/O P.O. Box 10429, Dublin 14 Call 087-2450 997 International +353 87 2450 997 email; Dance Supreme Competition Bookings
DSI NEWS
Last update: 11 June 2008
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12th June 2008
Its been a while since we last updated our website (apologies to all!), but lots has happened since then, so here we go!
The 5 Nations was a huge success in only its second year. Republic of Ireland led by Francesca Arkins from Flashdance, took the coveted title of 5 Nations Champions. A capacity crowd from Northern Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales and Republic of Ireland helped celebrate the St Patrick's Weekend in style. Leprechauns, Shamrock and much more were all over the place and a great sense of fun was had throughout the course of the three day event.
A big thank you to all that took part and here's to 2009. Details of 5 Nations 2009 are on the way.
Lots of interest yet again for BUNDORAN 2008. This was launched at Wales and already has attracted lots of interest. The big talking point of Bundoran 08 is of course the brand new format for 'Dancer Of The Year'. This year the winner will have to be the best 'all round' dancer. Yes not only must they dance their freestyle routine but the Top Ten recalls must dance a 30second Slowdance and a 30second Hip Hop routine all with their Freestyle Solo! DS had been planning to introduce this into the format for quite a while now but it is definitely going to happen this year. So qualifiers, get your skates on!!
The Derry Super Cup is now back on the competition programme for 2008. The event returns to St Mary's Hall in The Creggan on Sunday 29th June 2008. A big entry is expected so make sure you book early to avoid disappointment.
20th February 2008
5 Nations Update
The forthcoming 5 Nations International Cup is now completely SOLD OUT!! Only in its second year the competition has doubled in numbers and more groups have been disappointed that they booked too late. On top of this there will be no day passes available to anyone planning to drop in over the weekend.
A new seating plan is been put in place to facilitate the large crowd and everyone should be pleased with this years setup.
Sponsors at this years event include "Gossip", "O'Hare" and "Photography by KRIS". As usual there will be plenty of fun and games as well as some fantastic workshops.
MORE iPODS than ever before will be given out over the weekend to the loudest and wackiest supporters along with some great spot prizes from our sponsors.
The judging panel has been confirm and here is the full line-up, Chairperson of Adjudicators John Hackett, Kerry Maddocks, Karen Devine, Darren Saunders, Thomas Hawkes, Leanne Barkley, Sharon Hodgins, Karen Cosgrove, Dawn Malone, Gemma Kenny and Jason Steele. All 5 Nations will have at least 2 adjudicators from their country and everyone of them is really looking forward to the weekend.
One of the many highlights over this weekend will of course be the '5 Nations Cup' on Sunday night. As this is the St Patrick's Weekend, all eyes will be on the Irish to try take the title from last years winners, England.
A big fancy dress party is also planned for Sunday Night and EVERYBODY HAS to dress in GREEN!! Yes Be A Paddy For The Night.....that's the motto!! Again some fantastic prizes will be given to those dressed in the craziest outfits on Sunday....Don't let your side down, YOUR COUNTRY NEEDS YOU!!
DOTY 08
Details of Bundoran 2008 will be launched at the 5 Nations in Wales over St Patrick's Weekend. Much talk will be around the all new format for Dancer Of The Year. After trying to introduce the new plans last year we have decided to get it going in 2008. After all the first round dancers have danced, the Top Ten will be called back to dance both a 30second Hip Hop routine followed by a 30second Slowdance routine. We believe that Dancer Of The Year from here on in should be an 'all round' performer! So, as they say in Hollywood....'Bring It On'!!
This years DOTY is due to take place from the 28th November -1st December 2008. Booking will commence at the 5 Nations and will be open to all soon after.
All Ireland Dance Federation (AIDF) AGM 2008
The AIDF AGM took place on Saturday 16th February 2008 at the Abbeyleix Manor Hotel in Co Laois. Here are some of details from that meeting:
It was agreed that a new way of dealing with the whole status card system be looked into and will be funded by the AIDF.
New conditions for sanctioning of competitions will be introduced.
All scrutineers from 2009 must be qualified by a recognised international body and a list of qualified scrutineers be made available to competition organisers.
New commitment that all professionals behave in a manner that is acceptable and 'professional' and failure to maintain the etiquette required would be subject to disciplinary action.
A new 'sub-committee' was setup to organise workshops around the country and look at developing the various styles of dance.
A new AIDF website is to be setup.
All AIDF sanctioned competitions will be attended by Competition Invigilators whose job will be to enforce the status card rules and the general competition rules for sanctioning. These Invigilators will be proposed by members and the executive will appoint and train up to 10 individuals.
A task group will be setup to review the current rule book and AIDF Constitution.
the 2009 AGM will take place as part of a weekend conference. The date for this Conference is 7th & 8th March 2009. PUT THIS IN YOUR DIARY. There will be no competitions on this weekend.
A compulsory 13 week 'no competition' period will be enforced on all dancers wishing to change schools.
Third parties will no longer by allowed to apply for competition sanction.
Desiree Halvey-Purcell and Brendan Scully have been appointed as new examiners for the AIDF.
From the 1st September 2008 the Under 6 sections will be Under 6 Beginner and Under 6 Starter. There will be no Under 6 Open.
18th November 2007
Compulsory Slow Dance Cancelled in Bundoran
Plans to introduce a 'compulsory' Slow Dance piece into the last 10 of this years 'Dancer Of The Year' in Bundoran have been put on hold after a number of people stated that it would be unfair to have boys give a display of SLOWDANCE which is mainly female dominated. After long and hard consideration and discussions, Dance Supreme agrees with this and have decided to pull it for this year. Suggestions of a Hip Hop compulsory piece for the boys was also considered in place of the Slowdance piece, but this would give rise to the major difference in both styles and that judging them against each other would not be possible especially in such a big and important event as 'Dancer Of The Year'. DS would like to apologise to everyone who had prepared for the SLOWDANCE piece.
11th June 2007
A Hot Day At Summer Championships
Despite the fantastic weather yesterday over 500 people attended the Summer Championships in Darndale, Dublin. Many groups from Belfast made the trip down to ensure great standard of competition against many southern groups. The judges for the day were Anthony Usher, Paula Moore, Derek Purcell plus a number of attending teachers stepping in and out throughout the day. Details of this years Bundoran Weekender were distributed to those hoping to travel to the 'Dancer Of The Year' The 10th Anniversary, this coming December. Once again a big thank you to the teachers and parents for supporting our events and we hope you have a great summer break and hope to see you at The Belfast Open in September. Summer Championship results are on the way!
9th February 2007
Spectrum And Dance Supreme Sort Out Differences
We are delighted to report that Alan and Tommy held a very productive meeting yesterday when both parties agreed a way out of the ridiculous and unfortunate situation that arose recently in regards to the Dancer Of The Year title. A full result should be possible in the coming days when all parties involved will be asked to support the discussions from that meeting.
5th February 2007
Derry Championships
12 dance schools from Derry, Belfast and Dublin made up the attendance at the annual Derry Championships in St Mary's Community Centre on Sunday 4th February 2007. Full results will be posted very shortly so check back to see!
Billy Elliott
DS was contacted recently and asked to publish details of the upcoming Dublin auditions for the London Stage Musical of "Billy Elliott". Find details here.
28th January 2007
8th Northern Ireland Championships
Hi all, just back from a fantastic day of competition in University of Ulster, Jordanstown. Almost every single school from Northern Ireland was in attendance plus 2 groups from Dublin made the trip. Judges for the day were Darren Saunders, Karen Devine & Francesca Arkins. Other adjudicators included teachers from all the schools that were there and the standard of competition was excellent. Well done to all our qualifiers for the 'REAL' Dancer Of The Year which celebrates its 10th Anniversary in Bundoran in November this year.
21st January 2007
Darndale/Belcamp played host to the first Freestyle competition of 207. Dance Supreme's Dublin Championships proved a big hit by attracting groups from Belfast and Limerick. Full results will be posted in the coming few days. Next up is the 8th Northern Ireland Championships. Being the FIRST organisation to run dance competitions up North, (where did those 8 years go?), DS is expecting a great turnout and some excellent competition as usual from the Northern groups. See you next Sunday in Jordanstown!
15th January 2007
DS Theatre Success
Since its launch less than a week ago, the Dance Supreme Movie Theatre has attracted hundreds of hits. This is only the beginning of what is promised to be a great asset to the website. Over the coming months you will be able to add your movies also!!!
AIDF Under 6 Rule
Dance Supreme got some clarity on the AIDF ruling on the Under 6 Solo's. Basicly there is NO CHANGE in their ruling which means that all competitions in the Republic of Ireland will contain either an Under 6 Beginner, Under 6 Open or both categories in a competition. In competitions run in the North of Ireland the ADFP ruling will apply. Dance Supreme will run an Under 6 Beginner and an Under 6 Open in the Dublin Championships this Sunday 21st January 2007 in Darndale. The following week in Belfast and Derry the week after will see an Under 6 Beginner and Under 6 Starter sections in the programme.
11th January 2007
ADFP Under 6 Rule
Please note that the ruling on future ADFP competitions is as follows:
The Under 6 age group can, at the Promoters discretion, be split into two age grades - Beginner and Starter, there will be loss of life with cards being marked.
There will be NO INTERMEDIATE or OPEN for the Under 6's and both Beginners and Starters will be restricted to the dress code as per Rules 22B and C.
Dance Supreme will enforce this rule at all its Northern Ireland events and at the '5 Nations' in Wales.
We are currently waiting clarification from the AIDF and its position on this rule. Please check back to find out.
10th January 2007
DS Movie Theatre
Dance Supreme today launched our new Movie Theatre to our website. Here you will be able to view some competition movies from today and some from the archives. DS is also working on some new and very exciting additions that will come on stream in the near future. Watch out!
16th October 2006
Hip Hop Dancer Of The Year
Ireland's first 'Hip Hop Dancer Of The Year' took place at the Darndale/Belcamp Sports Centre in Dublin yesterday. Groups from Dublin and Belfast made the event a great success and already there is demand for a 'weekend' event to accompany this fantastic competition. DS will be looking into this for 2007.
BIG congrats to our first 'HH DOTY', Natalie McParland from Xplosiv in Belfast was a much deservant winner and danced like a true pro! Well done Natalie and of course to Charlene Murphy her teacher. Keep an eye on our competition links to see all the qualifiers for 2007! As an added bonus for those in attendance a television crew was on hand to film the day which will be screened on TG4 just before the Christmas. Check out results here.
3rd October 2006
Apologies to all who have been left waiting for info since before the summer break....SORRY!
Dance Supreme would like to thank everyone that supported our recent string of competitions in Belfast, Derry and Dublin. Coming up next is the first 'Hip Hop DOTY' which is happening in Darndale/Belcamp Sports Centre, Dublin on Sunday 15th October 2006.
Following demand from many of you, a 'Bundoran Warm-up' has been added to the calendar on Sunday 29th October 2006. Full details will be posted in the next few days.
Following concerns raised at our recent events DS have finally confirmed the position for 'Freestyle Couples' events for the future. If there is a mix in the grade of a couple/pair, then the couple/pair MUST DANCE IN THE HIGHEST GRADE of the partnership. DS will be enforcing this in all events north and south of the border.
AIDF
22nd June 2006
After almost 12 months of discussions Dance Supreme has officially joined the All Ireland Dance Federation. Although the organisation is not a member, Alan Healy was nominated onto the executive with no objections from any of the current members. The AGM took place in City West Hotel last Saturday with a good attendance from all over the country. So what does this mean for DS competitions from here on in? Well most notably is the fact that ALL dancers will now be required to join the AIDF and get their 'status cards' if they intend competing in any future competitions. This mainly affects all schools in the Republic of Ireland but a special arrangement has been agreed that if any current dancers in the Republic hold ADFP status cards these will continue to be accepted until the end of 2006 after that any dancers residing in the Republic MUST carry an AIDF status card to all competitions both locally and abroad. DS will continue to run its competitions up North sanctioned by the ADFP.
On the day of our first AIDF sanctioned competition, a status card officer will be appointed to collect all the 'finalist's' cards and make the necessary changes according to the 'lost of life' system. These cards can be either AIDF or ADFP depending on which part of the country you reside. Much more details on the way. For further information on status cards and getting them please contact Joe Furlong, Secretary of AIDF. Just click on his name and send him an email.
5 NATIONS INTERNATIONAL CUP
7th June 2006
The long anticipated launch of Dance Supreme's 'brand new' weekender, the '5 Nations International Cup' took place over the weekend during the Summer Championships in Dublin. Huge excitement surrounded the official launch as the crowd of 500 were the first to see the glittering brochure with all the details of this fantastic new festival. Hafan Y Mor Holiday Park just outside Pwlhelli in North Wales is the venue and judging from its facilities and indeed its accommodation this event is set to become one of the most sought after over the next 5 years or so.
With packages starting at just 70stg/100euro this event boasts exceptional value for money that YOU JUST WONT GET ANYWHERE ELSE! Complete details will be posted on the website once everyone has received their packages in the post over the next 2/3 days. Drop back to get all the updates!
SUMMER CHAMPIONSHIPS 2006
7th June 2006
After 3 years in the wilderness the Dance Supreme 'Summer Championships' returned to Dublin's Cabra Parkside for a fantastic day of Freestyle and Slowdance. Schools from the North and South of Ireland attended and made it a great day of fun and super dancing!! Although this is a new venue for Dance Supreme we were delighted that the management have invited us back to run some more well organised events in their centre. Plans are already underway for more competitions to take place in Cabra and we hope you will be there to join in the great experience. Full results on the way!
Remember Dance Supreme 'KEEPING THE FUN IN DANCING'.
ALL IRELAND DANCE FEDERATION
7th June 2006
Countdown to the AGM continues, Remember the date and venue, City West Hotel, Saturday 17th June 2006 at 8pm. BE THERE!
HIP HOP KING, QUEEN & SUPERTEAMS
29th May 2006
Almost 500 packed into Darndale Community & Sports Centre yesterday for Dance Supreme's annual Hip Hop King, Queen & Superteams 2006. A strong representation from Northern Ireland gave the local schools a real good competition. For the first time a school from South Wales traveled over to sample the Irish Hip Hop comp. Carima Heaven and a small number from her very successful school took part in their first Hip Hop only event here in Ireland and judging from the response, they had a great time. the competition got underway just after 10.30am as scheduled with the Hip Hop team sections. Well done to all the teachers that turned out some fantastic squads and great standard throughout these sections. A full list of results from the day are available from here. The competition finished yet again ahead of schedule and everybody got off in good time. Watch out for a few more DS Hip Hop competitions in the not too distant future.
BELFAST OPEN DATE CONFIRMED AGAIN!
29th May 2006
After much confusion Dance Supreme has finally nailed down the date for the Belfast Open. It will take place on the 17th September 2006 in the University of Ulster, Jordanstown. Details here. The confusion came about following discussions between DS and the Uni some weeks ago when it was discovered that DS's original date was not put into the book and a subsequent booking been put in its place, but thankfully all is sorted now!!.
SUMMER CHAMPIONSHIPS 2006
29th May 2006
Latest signs are for a complete 'sell-out' of Dance Supreme' s second Freestyle comp in Dublin this year. Following a late change of venue it was feared that this may have affected the attendance but thankfully it hasn't, in fact it has dramatically added to the numbers! DS would like to thank Annette O'Reilly for her support in the weeks leading up to the competition.
WALES DOTY QUALIFIER
16th May 2006
Bethan Evans hosted yet another successful one day comp in Brymbo, North Wales on Sunday 14th May 2006. Schools from many parts of England and indeed Wales made the trip for what has become an annual event since Bethan's first competition some 5 years ago now. As part of the day Carima Heaven who recently appeared on The 'Paul O'Grady Show' gave a 30minute hip hop workshop which was well received by all that took part. Carima is also due to release her brand new Hip Hop video in the coming weeks and judging by the workshop, the video should be well received by any hip hop fanatic! Meanwhile newlywed Bethan, ran a programme of Freestyle solos, couples, teams and slowdance. Representing Dance Supreme on the day was Alan Healy who joined the judging panel for many of the sections including the 'Irish Dancer Of The Year' Qualifier. Well done to Bethan and all her staff for running an excellent day.
ALL IRELAND DANCE FEDERATION
5th May 2006
The AGM of AIDF has been confirmed today. The venue is City West Hotel, Dublin on Saturday 17th June 2006 starting at 8pm. A full attendance is expected and the Secretary is now inviting motions for consideration by the Executive for inclusion on the AGM agenda. Dance Supreme has recently thrown its support behind the Federation and is looking forward to a closer working relationship in the future.
HIP HOP KING, QUEEN & SUPERTEAMS 2006
Early indications are of a 'sell-out' with a large number of new schools registering their interest for the event. As usual DS is inviting all schools attending to contact asap to reserve your seats. Judges will be confirmed in the next couple of days and as usual they will be all independent.
5 Nations
26th April 2006
DS has been inundated with calls for more information on the all new festival, the '5 Nations'. A number of schools both at home and in the UK, have already expressed a strong desire to take part in the event by booking their places early. DS says, 'at this rate there wont need to be a launch as the festival could sell-out before that!! Check back for more updates!
Bundoran 2006
26th April 2006
DS has secured some sponsorship and the presence of 'Digital Images by KRIS' for this years festival. KRIS, who is fully certified, was a huge success last year and has expressed an interest in coming back!
5 Nations
20th April 2006
Dance Supreme announced its brand new festival yesterday. The '5 Nations International Cup' will be hell in Wales from 23rd-26th March 2007. The venue is already confirmed but will not be announced until the official launch on 11th June 2006 at 'The Summer Championships' in Dublin.
DS is promising an amazing competition that is sure to attract a capacity crowd from the '5 Nations' of Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland.
Although the launch is not until 11th June, DS is inviting schools to make an advance booking if they wish. The main reason for doing this is that each country is restricted to a maximum allocation of just 240 places!
Because this is Dance Supreme's first event of its kind, on this scale, it is important that everybody has a great time and that they will want to come back again! The accommodation is of a high standard and comes in 3 grades. DS has personally inspected the accommodation and was very impressed. Check back soon for regular updates.
Brean Sands
15th April 2006
DSI has learned that following much correspondence between many different parties in recent days, that Dancelines, promoters of the Brean Sands Weekend, have issued a statement in relation to dancers status cards. Outlined in the email to the All Ireland Dance Federation members, it was made very clear that ALL DANCERS MUST CARRY A RECOGNISED STATUS CARD AT THE FESTIVAL. Following recent agreements between the ADFP and the AIDF a current ADFP or AIDF card will be accepted. AIDF is advising all dancers from the Republic of Ireland who are not in possession of a current status card and attending next weekends festival to contact them with regards to purchasing one. Please contact AIDF here.
All Ireland Dance Federation:
9th April 2006
Dance Supreme Ireland is delighted to announce that we have now joined, and support in full, the All Ireland Dance Federation following almost 12 months of discussions between ourselves, AIDF and the ADFP in the UK.
DSI will be implementing the AIDF rules in all its events in the Republic of Ireland following the AGM on 17th June 2006. Up North we will continue to run under ADFP rules as Northern Ireland comes under the jurisdiction of the ADFP.
At this point almost 90% of dance teachers and schools in the Republic have now joined the Federation making it the single biggest organisation representing the majority of Freestyle dance schools in the country.
DSI has been in touch with a lot of our supporters in the past few weeks to discuss our decision to join and we are delighted to announce that all teachers spoken to have either now committed or are in the final stages of committing to the Federation before the AGM this coming June.
These are indeed exciting times for all concerned and with the introduction of the AIDF status card, recognised by the ADFP, we will once and for all put an end to a number of issues surrounding dancers status and grades etc.
DS would like to send its sincere gratitude to Tommy Shaungnessy of AIDF and Derek Povey of ADFP for their continued support in getting things this far and look forward to a closer working relationship in the future. Alan