I thought the competition was excellent and that the placements in the final were correct. I don't think this outcome of this event surprized anyone. It was expected to be a battle between the top three couples and it was.

I don't know why they they mentioned the rankings since they really have no relevance to a competitions outcome. The problem with the ranking system is that it is based on points collected by competing at IDSF events. If you dance (and place) at more competitions than another couple, you are ranked higher.

I don't think the theory that Eugene and Maria don't win is because they grew up in the Ukraine holds water. The 2000 world champions, Slavik Kryklyvy and Joanna Leunis won (dancing for Belgium) despite the fact that Slavik is originally from Russia.

Blair

Does anyone know if I can purchase a tape of the event (perhaps on-line)? nullnull

I am sure it will be replayed pretty soon just like the previous ones.

Sorry for the errors in my posting.

I watched part of Paso Doble. The dancers were fabulous. Unfortunately, my roommate messed my VCR setting and I got only 15 minutes of tape. Does anyone know if I can purchase a tape of the event (perhaps on-line)? I have entire A&E program on Standard that was broadcast a couple of months ago. They are great. I watch them for inspiration and get ideas on the gowns.

Sarah

I'm not sure about the politics of everyone else but I found out today that the couple from the US didn't win because they are origionally from the Ukraine but they defected to the United States and for that reason, it's a pretty sure bet that they will never win a championship. I was very impressed with their steps (espeically their jive, wow!) but that's two years in a row that they have taken 7th place.

Also, i'm not sure if there were any politics involved but did anyone else think that the couple from Italy should've placed higher? I sure do, they were ranked 3rd in the world and they took 5th. Somehow that math just doesn't add up to me.
~LB

You Haven't Truly Made It Until Your Head Is On A Pez Dispenser

I saw it. Really inspiring, wasn't it? I was a little disappointed that the couple I was cheering for, (the younger couple from Slovenia) didn't place well. I wasn't *for* anyone in particular going into it, but I just was struck by the look of them. To my eyes, they made the prettiest pair and were the most enjoyable to watch dance. I think it was really political. The older couple from Slovenia were the ones taking first place, and of course they're inarguably great (they all were) but they were the heavy favorites for sentimental reasons. Actually, I thought the woman from that team looked a little chubby and her lines weren't as nice. Please nobody flame me for the chubby comment. I don't mean to sound snotty, I'm just coming from a different dance world (ballet) and not used to looking at so much meat on a dancer's bones, as it were. I'm also not used to the idea of competition, and the politics that go along with it. In the ballet world, an ingenue can come out of nowhere (as long as her training is excellent), and move right into a major company and into titled roles. It's all about ability, and never about paying your dues. Listening to the commentary, I realized that first place would never be given to a couple that people weren't used to seeing in the circuit, almost regardless of their merit. Such a strange idea to me!