Customer Reviews

BALLROOM DANCING: The International Championships

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

This 60 minute video, produced in 1991, includes ballroom shows and competition finals in both the Latin and Modern (smooth ballroom) styles. Donnie Burns and Gaynor Fairweather, at the peak of their 13 year reign as World Professional Latin champions, do a five dance show; Marcus and Karen Hilton, early in their reign as World Pro Modern champions, do four dances. The competition includes many the top ranked Latin amateurs of the time, some of whom are were later in the top professional ranks; the Modern competition draws from the second tier of world class amateur competitors (still better than anyone then in the U.S.).

Contrary to the implication in the title, the video was not filmed at the International Championships in England, but rather at a competition in Czechoslovakia. The camera work presents the dancing very well, and the price makes the video an excellent value - most comparable ballroom competition videos go for $50-$100. True students of ballroom dance, however, will probably be bothered by the fact that the synchronization of the audio track to the video is off by as much as half a beat - as can be seen from the mismatch between the music and the audio sensitive floor lights. This lack of synchronization makes the competitors look off time, which somewhat spoils the effect; in the shows, perhaps because of the higher caliber of the dancers, the music sounds off time. Still, it's difficult to go wrong for a mere $20.

Note that in the DVD version, the audio track synchronization is better. However, I can only find three dances of the Hiltons' show.

(speaking predominantly about the Latin, being I don't really watch Standard)

Dancesport is electrifying. This VHS is far from electrifying. Save the $ to put towards one of the more expensive, recent competitions. The music places you right back into the stereotypical, "ballroom dancing is for your grandmother" mindset. The costumes are absolutely hideous. Yes, there are people worth seeing on the tape such as Louis Van Amstel, Karen Hardy, Donnie Burns and Gaynor Fairweather, and Marcus and Karen Hilton but you can see them on the more up to date tapes. It's funny how dancing always seems to be a package deal. Neither costumes nor music make an impression, and this goes for the dancing as well. Don't get me wrong, these are talented dancers but you're not going to see their best performance here. I've watched the tape more than a few times to see if it would grow on me, but so far it just makes me cringe.

The only salvageable part is the exhibition by Donnie Burns and Gaynor Fairweather. (and I would think if you like the Standard, Marcus and Karen Hilton) That's the only part I watch repeatedly.

I've bought many copies of this video in years as gifts to friends. If you want to know what is the internatinal (or English) style ballroom dance, I assure you this is the best value (at $ 20.00!)on the market to watch ballroom dance at its best. It has spectacular shows by Donnie Burns, Gaynor Fairweather and Marcus and Karen Hilton -- they are the top of the ballroom dancing world! Thanks to V.I.E.W, Inc. who produced this video! END

This is not the "International" in a classic London venue; it is a competition in Ostrava in a lack-lustre setting resembling a 1/4-filled gymnasium. The DVD production resembles an old home video: camera-work is mediocre, video quality (touted as "enhanced") is poor, sound quality is poor--on top of a very weak music presentation from the venue itself. Having seen in person most of these couples dance at better venues, this DVD did not do them justice. In short, it is a poor-quality production displaying the end of the era of British-defined/dominated International style competition ballroom dancing. I was greatly disappointed and would not recommend it.

Ballroom and Latin dance has come a long way. Even though many of the dancers on the DVD are still at the top ranks of the pro circuit, this is NOT a great showcase. This is nice to watch in order to compare to the styles and skill of today, but not the kind of video you will watch over and over. The only truly spectacular dancing is that of Marcus and Karen Hilton (standard only). They were then, and are now quite amazing. For those of us in Canada, Alain Doucet and Anik Jolicouer are on this tape, briefly, in the Standard final.

Wonderful video of ballroom dancing at its finest. Highly recommended viewing for those who think the ABC farce "Dancing with the Stars" is impressive (it's not!). Len Goodman would be mute while searching for the scorecards that read "20".

picture quality is below average. Sound quality is only average. not worth the money

a fantastic dvd. watching it over and over. hope more like these to come. please notify me when available. should have many more ********

Even though this is from the early 90's, it's fun to watch and see how far ballroom has come. There's great dancing. I bought this mostly to watch Donnie Burns and Gaynor Fairweather. Donnie's son is Benji Schwimmer, who won America's Favorite Dancer 2006 on So You Think You Can Dance. Donnie Burn's is a phenomenal latin dancer, and one can see where Benji inherited his gift. For the price, this dvd is worth watching and adding to their collection for anyone who loves Ballroom.

very good for what it is. Very out-of-date, however