Did you know?
The first
competition "Rising Stars" ever held on the island was hosted by the Progressive Ballroom Dance Club in 1992.
It
was held at the Black Rock Cultural Centre in the parish of St. Michael and had only eight couples competing in one category.
It
was contested in both Ballroom & Latin faculties.
The then President of the Progressive Ballroom Dance Club
Gregory Babb and the Treasurer Livingstone Alleyne were the driving forces behind this bold step of bringing competitive dancing
to the island.
Gregory spearheaded the dancing section by actually competing while Livingstone looked after the
organization section. Gregory actually went on to win the competition with his daughter Danielle (14 years old).
It
was held under international rules and the skating system was used. This was the judging system used for all international
competitions sanctioned by the World Dancesport Association.
Thanks go out to Dr. Winston Waithe who from his experience
competing on the U.K scene introduced the skating system to the Club. Also to Mr. Paul Peligcoro U.S.A whose words of
encouragement were of great help.
LIvingstone Alleyne
