January 7, 2010
Vancouver, BC –From January 22-24, athletes from at least 19 countries will convene at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver to engage in what they call the sexiest sport on earth. Ballroom dancing, or DanceSport as the competitive version is called, is a highly athletic competition featuring skimpy costumes, swiveling hips and the longest leg lines in the world of sport. Hundreds of talented DanceSport athletes, including some of the very best in the world, will take part in the spectacular SnowBall Classic competition.
Considered one of the most prestigious competitions in North America, the SnowBall Classic, now in its 22nd year, regularly attracts some of the world’s best couples. This year’s competition features the “IDSF World Cup Latin.” Only one Latin World Cup contest is held each year. The event is the most important world Latin competition after the world championships. Only one couple from each member federation is allowed to take part.
With 86 countries and more than 5 million registered athletes worldwide, the IDSF has developed Ballroom DanceSport into one of the most popular sports in the world. In 1997 the International Olympic Committee recognized the IDSF as a full member as well as giving DanceSport full recognition. The sport is currently awaiting space in the summer games medal program.
From an athletic viewpoint, a 1986 study conducted by the University of Freiburg in Germany demonstrated that the muscle exertion, measured by production of lactic acid, along with the oxygen demands and heart rates of DanceSport competitors performing one competition dance of approximately two minutes were equal to the muscle exertion and oxygen requirements of cyclists, swimmers and Olympic 800-metre runners exerting themselves over the same period of time. The German study's methodology was repeated in a recent Australian study, the results of which were published in the authoritative British Journal of Sports Medicine. DanceSport competitors must apply that kind of physical exertion five times in each round, with several rounds in a typical day.
But no other sport holds as much sex appeal as DanceSport. Costumes are governed by strict IDSF regulations, but athletes find amazing ways to remain within guidelines and yet show as much skin as possible. They say it helps enhance the leg lines and body movement. Good costuming also accentuate the character of the dances, which is largely about the interplay of romantic tensions between the partners.
Local costume designer Tatiana Teslenko says that one of the biggest challenges in creating a costume is to maximize the qualities already present in the body shape, while hiding imperfections. “If you hear that someone has a ‘perfect’ body, it only means they have a perfectly designed dress,” she explains. “A good dress makes the body look better, and that adds to the appeal of the dancer’s movement.”
The ten dances that make up the competitive ballroom program, as featured on such popular television shows as Dancing With the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance Canada, include the sensual Rumba, cheeky Cha Cha Cha, energetic Jive, sexy Samba, dramatic Paso Doble, fiery Tango, lively Quickstep, elegant Slow Foxtrot, swirling Viennese Waltz and ever-popular Slow Waltz.
The SnowBall Classic, hosted by DanceSport BC, features competitions in all age groups and skill levels. It happens in the Hyatt Regency Vancouver. Tickets are sold through Tickets Tonight. For details and ticket information, visit the web site at www.snowballclassic.com.
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For more information about the event or the local couples involved, please contact:
George Pytlik
604-657-1351
george@adwiz.biz
Travel Images www.westshoregalleries.ifp3.com
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