About Author The “Master’s Apprentice” - Author: Stanley AlexanderDedication I dedicate this book with great admiration to the many superb teachers & coaches that have tried their best assisting to transform my less than talented body to perform. Initial thoughts go to my first dance teachers Ron & Patti Troy, in a most unlikely setting of a small rural village at the NSW gate way to “outback Australia” where I was coerced regularly each week by my dear sweet mother to attend the group training sessions of Ron & Patti in the local Tennis Club. I was just 10yrs old & would have done “anything” not to attend! My darling mum always very convincing, regularly was leading me by the “ear” weekly in the direction of the Tennis Club Hall. It was not until at a school dance when 12yrs old that I finally discovered the “passion” for dance, with sweet young ladies queuing for my “services”. It was those patient teaching skills of Patti blended with the “hot blooded” approach by Ron that led me through Medal Tests towards competition. Having to record the names of figures with footwork, etc for practice during the week while Ron & Patti were away teaching in other nearby towns is the root of were I am today in writing & publishing this book.
Another excellent & great teacher, Ms. Joan Allen (Mrs. Bannister), “disciple” of Latin American Master Walter Laird, and where Joan
introduced Latin American dance to Australia in 1949. Thank you Joan for your intense teaching of the base skills of Latin that have assisted me with some success in coaching medallists, amateur & professional competitors & teachers in preparation of professional degree examinations. I felt this lady never received sufficient accolades for her knowledge, experience & services to the development of Latin dance in Australia.
Mr. Don Mc Robert J.P., a high calibre dance educator, adjudicator & examiner possessing great foresight & wisdom, has been a very good supporter & confidante during my career as well as an excellent friend & teacher.
Many dance teachers find it trendy to call themself a “Coach” without fully understanding the commitment I feel is required for such a title. I have had the pleasure of learning from many teachers & “coaches” over the years, but when thoughts are directed at coaching, especially in Australia, there is one couple that readily comes to the “fore”. This couple have produced so many champions at all levels throughout the World, including their own children. They would have to be considered one of the World’s leading coaches. This title truly belongs with Ray & Margaret Reeve from Wollongong NSW. As coaches, I have never come across another to take your place. And now, the great Master of the Ballroom Mr. Alf Davies OAM, absolutely the worst “teacher” I ever met, yet this amazing man had so much knowledge & ability that he still captures my attention today. Alf freely admits he has no patience for the beginner, a term he would use to describe some National Champions.
During Davies time from the 1950’s to the present, there would be hardly a single Australian Champion that did not study at some stage with the Master.
My years of training with Alf always left me with the most intense stress headaches from the constant pounding of “input” to a crammed low capacity brain. Alf could rarely offer encouragement or praise for effort, so much a “perfectionist”! After each session, almost reduced to tears, I need to sleep for an hour or two to recover, then prepare to start it all over again. Glutton for punishment, yes! But always craving the immense knowledge & talent possessed by this magical exponent of the “Art of Championship Dancing”.
Alf regularly recounted his early days under the tutelage of Australian dancer/stage artist Charles Ring. Alf was also a most committed disciple of the famous Englishman, Henry Jacques.
Alf believed strongly in Jaques amazing yet controversial technical guide of the 1930’s. Alf trained under some of the Legends of the Ballroom including Jacques & Len Scrivener.
Davies major competitive rival, the great Sonny Binick, where these two great warriors of the ballroom had many legendary tussles for honours during arguably, one of the great golden era’s of ballroom.
Alf would never freely admit his age in later years, but without doubt was around 80yrs of age, showing staccato actions in Tango that young Champions could only dream to do. His demonstrations of scintillating speed in Quickstep made me feel so inadequate, especially since I was half his age. Truly, this man & his most charming wife Julie were the World’s leading exponents defeating the incredible English legends of Ballroom on their “home ground” with “home town” adjudicators. Many memories have been recounted by people from several countries that were present during 1954 - 56 to witness the Master decimate the opposition with sheer brilliance, class & excitement!
Thank you for the years of “torment & torture” that I regularly & gladly paid you for Alf! In fact, “Thank you” to all my teachers & coaches for attempting to pass your knowledge & experience with some skills, although I do know that I can only live in the shadow of you & especially my idol, the Master of the Ballroom, Alf Davies. Thank you so much for all your guidance & assistance leading me across the World in Dance that has allowed me this feeling to attempt this book in an effort to assist in guiding others in their quest for knowledge mixed with a passion for dance. MUCH THANKS ALSO…Ballroom Dancing is certainly a romantic art form that has lead me through many romances since 12 years of age & taking me through some “troubled waters” along the way blended with fond memories to make an interesting & colourful life!
“Romance FOR dance” occurred shortly after I found my first “romance through dance”. I have enjoyed some great dance partnerships & a few special friendships over the past 42 or more years I have been dancing. Several “fond & loving memories” from this “makulit” man have come & gone but the passion of dance still remains very strong & powerful today.
This book became a possibility & reality due to these & many other past experiences blended with assistance from some special ladies, including my sweet “Bubbles” (pictured) whom I miss daily.
I had the honour of being mentor to Deborah during her “competitive days” in Ballroom, New Vogue & eventually in Latin American, Latino & Show Dance that greatly assisted to hone knowledge, skills & experience, etc for this book. This book most likely may never have eventuated without Deborah motivating me into action, so therefore thanks for your valued input & efforts causing fulfilment of this project, as well as the dedication shown & given to your own dancing.
Also, special thanks is due to my beautiful wife Grace for her assistance & input to this creation as well as in producing a fine healthy son “TJ” to give me that final direction & push needed for completion.
Maraming Salamat Po! THE AUTHOR: Stanley ALEXANDERHonorary Ambassador At Large Guam USA
Personal Email: stanalexander@hotmail.com - Chairman-CEO & founder Philippine Professional Dance Sport Association
- Chairman-CEO & founder Philippine National Dance League
- Chairman-CEO & founder World Casino Dance Federation
- Chairman & Founder Philippine (National) Dance Teachers Council
- Director & Examiner Austral-Asian Arts Theater Dance (AATD) Inc.
- South East Asia representative for International Dance Organization
- Ballroom Dance Sport Educator to Republic Philippines Department of Education & the Commission for Higher Education
- Instigated the participation of Ballroom Dancing in Closing Ceremony Sydney 2000 Olympics
- Austral-Asian Champion in Modern Ballroom, Latin & New Vogue, Finalist at all Australia’s National Championships
- International Professional Grand Finalist in eight (8) Countries including:
Thailand International, China Internationals in Kunming, Guangzhou,
Guandong & Hong Kong, Singapore International, Taiwan International,
Malaysian International, Penang International & New Zealand
Inter Dominion - Coach to his own “home grown” Professional & Amateur Champions successful in 9 countries including:
Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan & Philippines - Trainer of certified dance teachers in UK, USA, Germany, Holland, Australia, Philippines, China, Singapore, Brunei, etc.
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