Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago, one of the countries that had only recently joined DanceSport's world governing body, was represented in Luxembourg by National Ballroom Dance Association (NBDATT) President Neil Derrick and General Secretary Carl Edwards.
During a short walk through the old part of Luxembourg City, IDSF Communications was able to find out more about DanceSport on the archipelago by talking to the NBDATT representatives.
DanceSport is doing well indeed, Neil and Carl reported. An inaugural National Championship was held back in 2009, and the number of competitions is on a steady increase ever since. No, dancers and officials do not yet expect Trinidad and Tobago to be represented in WDSF World Championships this year or next.
"We are working to a five-year plan that will allow us to get more proficient on all levels. The coaches, the couples and the officials, they all need more preparation and practice.
"We hope to find someone who would be able to come to our country for an extended period of time - for several months in fact - and who could deal with training not just the dancers, but the adjudicators and coaches as well.
"We are in close contact with the WDSF Membership Commission chair Marco Sietas. The main reason we came to Luxembourg was to find out what is required to build the solid structures within our association and for DanceSport to reach the next level.
"We have significant government support. From the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs and from the Ministry of Education! DanceSport is already a scholastic sport and through our organisation put on the curriculum of students from the earliest ages."
Part II tomorrow!
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