Farewell to MDSB

The time has come to leave MDSB and I have done what I can possibly do for Dancesport. Team Dancesport Malaysia has appeared in 2005 and 2007 Asian Indoor Games and the Cebu and Korat SEA Games. All is not over for Dancesport for it is relevant up till the 2014 and there are still many Olympic Family Games that will feature Dancesport. The next Asian Indoor Games will be held in Hanoi, Vietnam in 2009 and their top couple as I write are in Brussels training.

What is the direction of Dancesport in the near future? For this I suggest you read IDSF Carlos Freitag message for 2008. For starters in the next IDSF meeting there is this proposal to form the World Dancesport Federation (WDSF). WDSF will encompass not only Latin American and Standard but will also embrace Rock & Roll and Wheel Chair Dancing and other forms that accept sporting principles and philosophy.

Further with the formation of the International Professional Dancesport Council (IPDC) to look after the Professional athletes' interest, IDSF have open the path for Professional athletes to be part of the Olympic Family and participate in the Olympic Family Games. What does it means then to all of us? Simply the distinction between Professional and amateur athletes are removed, and they will be known simply as athletes.

Finally , I must declare that I have the best support from all of you dance enthusiast who believe in fair play , fair judging and transparency.

Thank you and goodbye.

SEA Games Category A Latin

There are further good news for Team Dancesport Malaysia 2007 from the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM). This is to confirm that Anthony Chua and Anita Tan, Michael Yong & Janet Gooi and Jonathan Fam & Therese Tan has been selected by the OCM to represent the country under Category A for the 24th SEA Games in Nakhorn Ratchasima in Korat, Thailand .

Team Dancesport Malaysia 2007 went to the Macau 2007 , II Asian Indoor Games under category B. By that Team Dancesport Malaysia goes to the Games at their own expenses . In the Korat Games the above couples goes to the Games at the expenses of the OCM. The upgrading of Anthony & Anita was done at the recent meeting of the Board of Directors of OCM. This is a recognition by the OCM towards Dancesport and it is indeed a break through.

In substance this does not affect the other Team Members or should dampen their spirit. all the couples has proven themselves and had performed splendidly at the Macau Games. Team Dancesport Malaysia 2007 will be heavily subsidising the rest of the couples to the Korat Games.

This is only a mere mention and an acknowledgment of the three(3) couples in Team Dancesport Malaysia 2007, nothing more nothing less.

Pictures above: Anthony & Anita, Michael & Janet , Jonathan & Therese.

24th SEA Games in Korat, Thailand

After the Macao Games, the athletes are back feeling very buoyant and more confident. Most of them had their medical check up done at the Institute Sukan Negara.

The competition format of the SEA Games in Korat is different from that of the 23rd SEA Games in CEBU. Our athletes will compete in the 5 individual dance events in the respective categories, Standard or Latin American. We have decided to send our three top athletes in Standard and Latin American and according to the SEA Games Federation Rules, each nation is allowed to send in two couples per event. There are no 5 dance event in the Korat Games unlike the Macau Asian Indoor Games.

For the training of the athletes, Team Dancesport Malaysia are bringing in Nikolay Voronovich from Russia for the Latin and at the point of writing we are negotiating with Benedetto Ferrugio for the Standard. The training emphasis will be in accordance to the SEA Games format. This is made possible from the funds generated from Got Rhythm? and on this note we would like to thank you the public for supporting our fund raising event for our athletes.

I woulds like to inform you that the Malaysian Supporters Club sponsored by Samsung Malaysia will be in Korat at the dance venue to lend support to Team Dancesport Malaysia 2007.

What are our medal chances? Let me be frank, the Thais and the Filipinos are a force to contend with so are the Vietnamese. Our athletes are prepared and by the time they are on the floor at the Vongchavalitkul Hall, they will be as well prepared as they can be. There will be no Clarion Call of "Malaysia Boleh!" at this juncture.

Our athletes do not need that, in quite contemplation before the Games they will prepare themselves mentally, when they burst on the floor with their routine, let the audience show their roar of approval.

We wish Team Dancesport Malaysia 2007 all the best and Malaysia can only expect that you put your best foot forward.

Macau 2007, II Asian Indoor Games

The Team Manager George Tan said that this is a fabulous outing for Team Dancesport Malaysia 2007. We went with no expectations, not with the power houses of Dancesport in Asia is there. There were 18 countries and notably we expect China, Japan, Korea and Kazakstan to make a clean sweep in both the Standard and Latin event. This was indeed the case.

However we are happy that all of our couples on the floor did make it to the semi finals in all the events they took part in. The five dance event Anthony & Anita and Jonathan & Therese were in the semi finals in their respective Standard and Latin American event. Although they did not make it into the finals, none of the South East Asian countries also made it.

Casey & Fabiola our Standard couple could not make it to the floor because of injuries sustained whilst training. Fabiola injured her ankle in a collision with another couple in Kuala Lumpur. We would like to express our heart felt gratitude to Dr Miriam George who treated Fabiola in Macau, unfortunately the good doctor advised Fabiola to rest and continue her treatment at the Institute Sukan Negara.

George Tan the Team Manager and Peter Ong the National Coach were present to oversee the athletes training at the Macau Forum, the competition venue. George was there to video our athletes both Standard and Latin and gave his invaluable comments. Peter ensured that the athletes were properly warmed up before they go down the floor. Edna our chaperone was in action to ensure the group check in went smoothly, that the athletes have enough food and drinks at the Venue and to ensure that the athletes look their best before they go to the floor.

The main issue in this competition is the strict imposition of the IDSF Dress Code. No warning will be given and those couple who flout the dress code will be disqualified. George and Peter got all our Latin ladies athlete to bring out their costumes for inspections.

The athletes and officials in Team Dancesport Malaysia 2007 knows their role at the Games and all of them contributed to the success of this outing.

We may not have brought home a medal, but the Macau Games was a bench mark in our preparation for the coming 24th SEA Games in Korat.

Training at the Institute Sukan Negara

The 18th November 2007 is an eventful day in the Malaysian Dancesport scene. Team Dancesport Malaysia 2007 went for their first evaluation by the Sports Psychologist and Sport Nutritionist at the National Sports Institute .

Let me make it clear that their preparation now is not for the Asian Indoor Games. It is actually for the SEA Games in December. The group in TDM spoke to the Sports Physiologist, who told them that it is not advisable to work on their fitness level with the Asian Indoor Games hardly 2 weeks away.

From the 1st of November onwards they will be put under the care of the conditioning specialist.

The question now that we need to address is what is the future of Dancesport and the Dance athletes in Malaysia. To train an athlete cannot happen in two (2) months or within a year. It is a long term program, by that the story does not end after the SEA Games. As a matter of fact the story continues and in actual fact the story is just beginning.

MDSB have to look at the interest of the athletes going to SEA Games 2009, now. A training schedule have to be formulated, a plan have to be in place now. It is essential to combine the dancing skills of the athletes with strength, speed and power and the best place to do this is the National Sports Institute. TDM 2007 have paved the way and hopefully others will follow the path.

What about the new professional body, the Malaysian Professional Dancesport Council(MPDC) I am sure if training the athletes and instructors are part of the agenda, they must come forward to look for a long term strategy for the future of dancesports.

Macau II 2007 Asian Indoor Games

Come 25th of October 2007 Team Dancesport Malaysia 2007 (TDM) will depart for the Macau 2007 2nd Asian Indoor Games. TDM comprises 12 athletes and 5 officials as allowed in the technical handbook. For your information , there are altogether 12 events in the Macau Games. 6 in Standard and the other 6 in Latin American. There are 5 single dance event and one 5 dance event. Each couples are permitted to take part in three (3) events only.

I was informed recently that there are 17 countries through out Asia that will be competing in the Macau Games and the Dancesport Power houses are People Republic of China, Khazakstan, Japan , Korea and Uzbekistan. I was informed by All India Dancesport Federation that India will be sending their couples to the Games for the 1st time and they are all excited about it.

The couple that will be taking part in the Latin American 5 dance: Chun Wai & Yen Chin and Jonathan & Therese. Samba: Chun Wai & Yen Chin, Cha Cha Cha : Michael & Janet ; Jonathan & Therese; Rumba: Michael & Janet; Jonathan & Therese; Paso Doble: Michael & Janet; Jive : Chun Wai & Yen Chin

In Standard: 5 dance: Anthony & Anita; Fong Tuan & Alexa; Waltz: Anthony & Anita ; Casey & Fabiola; Tango: Casey & Fabiola; Fong Tuan & Alexa; Viennese Waltz: Anthony & Anita; Slow Fox Trot: Casey & Fabiola ; Quick Step: Fong Tuan & Alexa.

The Team Manager for TDM 2007 is George Tan , who is the President of Malaysian Professional Dancesport Council (MPDC) and the National Coach is Mr. Peter Ong.

To TDM 2007 to the Macau Games, we wish you all the best. We are fully aware that you will be pitching your skill with some of the best dance athlete in Asia, just do us proud in the Games and most of all enjoy yourself.

The Banner you see above is the TDM2207 for the Macau Games. Our athletes will bring and display our banner at the Games.

Team Dancesport Malaysia 2007

In the late sixties Limbo Rock was the craze . The song and the Limbo dance was made popular by Chubby Checker (see Pic.). Part of the lyric to that song is "how low can you go".

A couple of days ago there was a Press report in the Star Metro on the Crystal Dancesport Championship in Shangri la where the organiser John Lim was quoted to have said: "The championship also serves as a platform for our selected dancesport athletes to prepare for the coming Macau Asian Indoor Games to be held from Oct 27 to Oct 29 and the Korat Sea Games in Thailand by competing with and guaging their performance against the world’s best dance athletes.” (quoted by John Lim).

I received many calls from people and dance enthusiast asking me what is MDSB going to do about it. I am actually quite amused by the whole thing , but many of you out there do not share the same view. First, only MDSB council members can only decide to act on the matter. Second the Malaysian Professional Dance Council (MPDC) Mr George Tan in his capacity as Team Manager of Team Dancesport Malaysia 2007, has come out with a statement. This will be carried on MDSB web page soon. I may carry it on my blog.

Now all of you may know that the Crystal Dancesport Championships at Shangrila was first advertised to be an IDSF endorsed championship and they are suppose to hold an IDSF Open. This status was changed over night into a WDC championship, without anyone in MDSB being informed. Now all of you know that to link the Crystal Dancesport Championship with the National athletes with the highlighted statement above is misleading the public and an outright lie and a shameful act.

What then is the measure of a man's honesty and integrity ? If a Limbo Rock Championship is the measure of a man integrity, I doubt there is anyone who can go any lower. As for honesty, you decide.

We will wait for MDSB statement if at all there are any.

Team Dancesport Malaysia 2007

Team Dancesport Malaysia 2007 with the help of many dancers from various school have completed Got Rhythm? .

This is unprecedented in the Malaysian dance scene because we have 4 dance schools in Malaysia who has agreed to pool their resources to put on a show for our Malaysian Dancesport team. It is only proper that I convey my thanks to Mr. Peter Ong, Yukiko Hori, George Tan, Lee Yip Seng and Chew Lai Yong the choreographers.

What is even more remarkable is the fact that the audience cut across the Board and almost who is who in the dance circle were present. When they are on the floor dancing away, it matters not your political inclination or affiliation.

To all those who have been following the international dance scene in the World and Asia, the International Professional Dancesport Council (IPDC) have started their professional series and words have it that in August 2008, in conjunction with the 2nd KL International Dance Festival, there will be a professional competition coming up. What is incredible is the fact that it is open equally to all Grade A and Professional dancers. The future direction would appear a fusion of IDSF and IPDC working together hand in hand.

So what do you think of Got Rhythm? Even if it is good or bad keep it to yourself, for Got Rhythm? is one of its kind and it is done with. I however have 2 comments one is from Dato' Sieh Kok Chi who rated Got Rhythm 9 upon 10 for events organised in the OCM Hall and the other is Datuk Dr. M. Jegathesan who enjoyed the evening thoroughly and has asked that he be kept informed if there is a similar event.

Most of all the credit goes to all of you who have supported Team Dancesport Malaysia 2007 and from the bottom of my heart I thank you.

John Fam
Chairman
Got Rhythm?

Malaysian Professional Dancesport Association

To:
Committee Members,Members and Legal Advisor of
Malaysia Professional Dancesport Association (MPDA)

31st August 2007

Dear all,
Update and Report on MPDA

Since the first Protem Committee meeting held on 31st May 2006, much water had flowed under the bridge, so to speak. After that inaugural meeting, the subsequent meeting was not held due to various reasons and circumstances which at this point are of not much use to discuss and dwell on. We had better move on and look forward. As President, elected at that inaugural Protem Committee meeting, I take the responsibility to continue to manage business and objectives of this organization. Please accept my sincere apologies for any shortcomings for the moment.

I would like to present a report and thus keep you all updated on the position and direction of MPDA in respect of the follow subject matters.

1. Asian Professional Dancesport Council (APDC)
The APDC comprising representatives of the respective professional organizations from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Macau, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, Japan and China was formed in 25th August 2006 with Shawn Tay (Singapore) as President and Mr. John Lim (Malaysia) as General Secretary and myself as Council member.

APDC Members come under the International Professional Dancesport Council (IPDSC) which is formed on 9th June 2007 in Barcelona with Mr Peter Maxwell as the President. More information on the IPDSC can be found in its homepage, www.ipdsc.org/

Similar with other countries, Malaysia through MPDA is now accepted as provisional member until the next IPDSC Meeting in 2008 where ordinary membership shall be granted on a country by country basis. At large, the IPDSC works closely with the International Dancesport Federation (IDSF) in spirit and objectives. Thus it is an understanding, as of the moment, dancers are allowed to participate in both APDC/IPDSC and IDSF events concurrently, until further notice. IDSF and IPDSC are also working together in the lobby for Dancesport to be in Olympics.

It is our belief that members and prospective members can see for themselves the stature and prestige of IPDSC, APDC, MPDA and IDSF. Those who have fervent interest and involvement in Dancesport should be able to weigh the pros and cons in this respect.

2. Participation of MPDA in APDC/IPDSC events
Since 2006, several of Malaysia dancers have participated in APDC/IPDSC events. In 2007, there are four APDC events held, in Singapore, Shenzhen, Korea and Taiwan. In Singapore in April, Anthony Chua & Anita Tan were there. At the IPDSC Asian Championship in Shenzhen in July Anthony Chua & Anita Tan, Benedict Lau & Jovienne Ee and Francis Hoh & Maggie Sau participated with encouraging results. For the coming IPDSC Open in Korea in September, Benedict Lau & Jovienne Ee will be participating.

Originally there was supposed to be five APDC events scheduled for 2007 and you will know why it becomes four after reading the next item.

3. Mr John Lim resigns as APDC General Secretary
In overview we are moving progressively, but unfortunately we encounter disruption to the normal order of things. Mr. John Lim did not attend that Barcelona meeting on 9th July 2007 and about the same time, we learnt that his October event which was hitherto billed as IDSF/IPDSC/APDC event was suddenly changed to be promoted as “WDC event”. Later, he also submitted his resignation as APDC General Secretary which was duly accepted by APDC.

This means that Mr. John Lim is severing ties with IDSF/IPDSC/APDC and aligning himself with WDC. By disassociating himself from IDSF/IPDSC/APDC, ipso facto, he is withdrawing from MDSB/MPDA at national level. While it is with much regret to have Mr. John Lim abruptly parting ways, we wish him all the best in his future endeavour.

4. Status of MPDA vis-à-vis APDC
Following no call for second MPDA meeting and the above development, in July, I requested for Mr. John Lim to brief me on the status of MPDA and to forward me all available documents pertaining to MPDA. I wanted to gauge the situation of the MPDA status prior to the 2nd APDC Committee Meeting held on 25th August 2007 amidst the resignation of Mr John Lim from APDC. However, I was only given the documents after the 2nd APDC Meeting.

Nevertheless, I attended the 2nd APDC Committee Meeting and since MPDA Vice President Mr. Chester Lim who was also in Singapore for the 20th Lion City Dancesport Championship, at my behest, he also attended.

At that meeting, I would like to make it known that we were feeling let down by Mr. John Lim`s departure from APDC. It was embarrassing for me because back in 2006, I had supported and lobbied for him to be APDC General Secretary. Somehow the APDC members showed magnanimous understanding of my predicament in these circumstances and at that 2nd APDC meeting, they unanimously voted that I fill the position of APDC General Secretary until the next election. It is encouraging to note that despite what happened, the APDC members still exhibit the esteem and trust for Malaysian officials. It is an honour to be given the opportunity to serve at that level and this augurs well for Malaysia Dancesport too.

5. Status of MPDA – Where do we go from here?
Five days after the APDC 2nd Meeting, on 30th August 2007 I received the MPDA documents and was told by Mr. John Lim that as the MPDA is not registered yet, to quote him, “many of them (referring to all of us) wanted to pull out as listed”. I reserve my judgement and call on this. Probably, there may be a few who wants out but there are also many who want to be in. Whatever it is, we understand and respect the wisdom of all to make their own choice. Where this is concerned, we can only assess and confirm by the time we convene the next meeting.

Just as we are setting up the foundation stone, why should we abort the whole project? This is the last thing on my mind. Whatever it is, it is our duty to continue our work within MPDA and I would appeal to those who share the same ideals to work together.

6. MPDA – Action Items
Thus, a meeting will be called to continue where we have left off as far as MPDA is concerned. In the meantime, I will follow up on the matter of MPDA registration and try to resolve a much as I can. And, we have to resolve the issue of getting someone to fill up the position of MPDA Secretary General vacated by Mr. John Lim. As soon as things are more settled, I shall call for the 2nd MPDA Committee Meeting and you will be duly informed. In the meantime, please feedback to me your suggestions, if any or if you have any queries do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you very much for your kind attention and we look forward to working together to promote MPDA, its goals and its objectives.

Yours truly,

President,
George Tan

Team Dancesport Malaysia 2007

Come 25th October 2007, Team Dancesport Malaysia 2007 (TDM2007) will be leaving for the Macau II Asian Indoor Games, an event organised by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). In the 1st Asian Indoor Games in Bangkok in 2005, there were no Commercial Guidelines to restrict the athletes in wearing the sponsors logo. This time the OCA has decided to enforce such rules strictly.

The Olympic Council of Malaysia told all the sporting bodies that we have a choice to participate or not to participate in the Games. As sporting bodies most of us decide to participate in the Games, but the regulations on sponsorship came a little too late. Our regular sponsors were told of this new development and the rest is history. We do not have sponsors.

It was at the suggestion of Dato' Sieh Kok Chi who came up with the idea that perhaps TDM 2007 could have a Dinner & Dance to showcase our Grade A Dancers and perhaps raise some funds for the Team. That was how GOT RHYTHM ? was conceived.

Invitation cards were printed and the response was fantastic. Although there are still a few tables left, it is only proper for me to thank all dance school and supporters not only in the Klang Valley but through out Malaysia for their encouragements and support.

You may then ask what is Got Rhythm? and what is so special about it. For starters Got Rhythm? is to showcase TDM2007 to the OCM Executive Board and to you. Almost all of you have seen our Grade A athletes doing the competition routine. They are exciting but as Dance athletes, do you not think that the question that begs to be asked is "So we know you can dance but can you entertain as well?"

The instructions placed to the Grade A athletes is simple . Entertain and impress the audience. There will be 3 shows by our Grade A athletes. Mr. George Tan of Yih Chyn Dance Studio, the trainer of Anthony Chua & Anita Tan, from Kluang will present an event with supporting dancers from Johor and East Malaysia. Much as I tried to persuade him to reveal a little, he refuse to divulge anything , even under torture.

Casey & Fabiola, Jonathan & Therese and Fong Tuan & Alexa and a host of other dancers will present a Jive routine. Their choreographer is Mr Peter Ong of The Dancespace. Costumes are already booked for the dancers and according to Peter Ong, it is high time that the Malaysia public acknowledges the fact that we have very talented young people in Dancesport.

Michael & Janet will be accompanied by 3 other couples. They will present a show choreograph by Yukiko Hori San of Dance Express. Again this is all under wraps to showcase to you on that day.

I have no recollection of such event ever happening where we get all our Grade A dancers under one roof to do a show dance. If indeed this is the first time, you will be witnessing history in the making and if it is successful, who knows there may even be another Got Rhythm II ? in 2009.

TDM2007 may be raising some funds, but be rest assured that they will not cut corners to make this Party to look cheap. The sound and lighting are given a sizable budget to transform the OCM Hall into a Ballroom par excellence. For starters OCM flourescent light will be shut off and taken over by the lighting experts.

There will be the formal part of the evening of the Flag Handing ceremony by OCM to our Team Manager and speeches will be kept to a minimum. After that it is party time and all our Grade A Dancers will be approaching you the audience to dance with them. The Dress Code for the evening is FUNKY!

The selection of the music will be across the Board to cater for all. Ballroom music may dominate the evening but the Salsa, the Poco Poco, Canto pop, Disco, Rock & Roll and even twist music will be featured. How many of you know or can recall Off Beat Cha Cha and Square Rumba or Limbo Rock?

Thank you and see you on the 23rd of September 2007 at the OCM Hall.