Interview - Corky Ballas - 1998

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1. First I want to say that I am thrilled to do an interview with you.   When did you first start to dance?
I first started to dance when I was 2 years old, my mother trained with Carmen Meranda, and was a fantastic flamenco dancer. I did flamenco from a baby, they I emerged into all other forms of dance, jazz, tap, ballet.

2. When did you start competing?
I started competing in 1977.

3. You are an American. When did you come to Europe?
I first came to Europe to lean to dance in 1984.

4. What was the reason for coming to Europe?
To learn from the best!

5. We all know that your wife Shirley used to dance with Sammy Stopford. With whom did you dance back then?
I danced with Patrea Lockie

6. Were you succesful as an amateur?
Yes, I was the US Champion.

7. Can you write down a short list of your successes?
7 Times US Champions
German World Cup
Dutch Cup
Star
3 Times British National Champions Open To The World
International Champions
2 Times Open To The World British Champions Blackpool
Many other titles, too many. 

8. Who are/were your teachers?
I had a team of teachers that were interested in us and to name them would not be kosher, they know who they are and so do I. Nina Hunt and Vernon Brock have both passed away and we loved them both very much they were a major inspiration to whom I am today.

9. I have seen you dance in Slagharen a couple of years ago and it was obvious that making fun is very imported to you. Is jumping over Shirley's head part of a practice session?
I love to work hard, but I also have to be having FUN, while I am working hard, too much intensity creates stress and stress kills you. I want to live, having a good time, fun and laughter are essential. No I do not practice jumping over Shirley, in fact the year I did it at Blackpool the idea came to me, I told Shirley, "stand over there with your legs apart and stand strong. Bang I went straight over, the crowd loved it.

10. Can you describe what you think your style is ?
I think my style, is STYLE! Many people say we are the Lady and the tramp. Shirley sophisticated and elegant and me, well just kind of wild and rebellious. Shirley tamed me a lot, and I am grateful, if I would have done some of the things I wanted to, who knows what would have happened. I had loads of wicked ideas, and didn't do 90% of them.

11. What do you think of todays latin dancers?
I think today's Latin dancers are great dancers.

12. Who do you think should be the next professional world champions?
They all work hard, they all have their own statement, they all are amazing, whoever is the best on that day should win.

13. Do you think dancing should be an olympic sport? Why?
Definitely, it's no different than ice dance, in fact most of the ice dancers are trained by latin coaches, all of there moves are copies of our latin and adagio routines, so why shouldn't we be in the Olympics.

14. Can you give todays latin dancers a tip on what they should focus on?
Technique, Technique, Technique! There is a lot of uncontrolled, undisiplined dancing out there and the Technique gives the dancer elegance. 

15. What are you doing nowadays?
I love to create and start projects, I am into a lot of things, creating my third Compac Disc called Titanic Passion, it's wicked, I have co-arranged some of the tracks. I play percussion on some, sing on some, wrote the lyrics on some. I have a wrap Cha-cha, Titanic Rhumba, Titanic Paso - Doble, Titanic Waltz, the rest of the tracks are also awesome. I am writing a book on dance. I am experimenting with creating a stage show with DanceSport and other art forms I am Coaching and Judging all over. 

16. Will your son dance like his father in the future?
My son has only been dancing for one year, and in that one year, he has become the Juvenile British Champion in both styles Ballroom and Latin. It's difficult having a son in the dance world, you can be too critical or not critical enough, and you tend not to give them any credit and be too hard on them. Then you think why shouldn't he do it, if he loves it? Why deny him the gift if he has it? It is far more nerve racking watching him dance. I never got nervous for myself, but when he's out there, I am dying inside, the result does not matter it's just he's so young and so cute and I love him so much, I just want him to do the best that he possibly can. 

17. What did you think of the competition(s) in Slagharen?
Outrageous audience and great music. 

18. In Holland we love Louis van Amstel and Julie Fryer. As you know Louis decided to quit dancing. What do you think of them and his decision?
Whatever dude, you got to do what you got to do in life. I think he will be back, when it's in you it's in you and hard to get out.

19. What did you think of the decision of Donnie and Gaynor to finally put an end to their successes?
Life is a road and however you decide to take it, is up to the individual.

20. I have competed in Disney Paris the first time the competition was held.   I loved the idea of competing in Disney. I was surprised that there were not many dancers then. You were there then and this year too. How was this years edition?
I think Sammy Stopford and Barbra McColl are on to something, great idea, and I predict one day it will be very successful, I wish them the best of luck. Congratulations! To Sammy and Barbra on a great concept, also congratulations is in order as Barbra is pregnant! 

21. What do you love about Shirley's dancing?
Shirley is just plain and simple damn 'WICKED', excuse my language, but as I started to answer your question my heart rate increased, the blood in my veins started pumping harder, a slight tingling sensation travelled all over my body thinking about Shirley's dancing. What I love the most is her beautiful feet, legs, sense of time, fluidity, and the degrees of energy she releases and uses at given times, depending on music and setting. She is the most alert, sensitive spontaneous latin dancer in the world. At seventeen years old she was 3rd IN THE WORLD, she has been in the final 17 years She is the ipitimy of Latin Dance, this woman is so fluid, so alert, so balanced, so in tune, so sincere, so emotional, so penetrating, so sexual, so sensual and charismatic and at the same time melting in the movement.

22. Do you have any videos on the market that are useful for dancers ?
Yes, Shirley and I have created over 30 dance videos, all focusing on different areas. ABC's of Latin Part 1 - Shows over 200 steps of the Technique Syllabus ABC's of Latin Part 2 - Show 45 basic routines all put together using the 200 steps in ABC's 1 ABC's of Latin Part 3 - Popular Variations Book from the ISTD, shown and explained. Doctor Latin - Popular Movents, How to Spin, Dynamics of Dance, and various other topics Simply Beautiful - Choreography Latin Rhythm and Shape  

23. Do you have a web page?
Yes it is http://www.corky.com Please go and visit my site out there in dance land .

24. What do you focus on when you teach?
We focus on bringing out the individual's own style, too many teachers try to mold you to their style, that does not work and does not allow for creativity. We also focus teaching DYNAMICS of dance and of course the Technique of dance. In closing I would like to wish all dancers the best of luck with their dancing. Remember to expect miracles because you are one. Live and Dance With Passion Corky Ballas Dear Bart: Please let me know if you need anything else sorry it took so long to get this too you.

Thanks Corky Ballas

source: http://www.dancesite.demon.nl/interviews/ballas.htm