FREEDOM TO DANCE ASSEN 2010 - The Dutch Open

ASSEN 2010 - The Dutch Open

ASSEN 2010.

The Dutch Open is with us again and fun and friendship return once more as we celebrate all that is good in our artistic competitive dance world. This is one event which remains true to the ideals of Baron Pierre de Coubertin and his Olympic Dream. The taking part is more important than the winning.

The Dutch Open, a truly Open competition in every sense of the word, is the event which first gained respect for its excellent organisation, wonderful facilities, the best dance music to be found and superb adjudicating panels who had deep knowledge and who marked without fear or favour. It was almost as important to win the Dutch Open as “The British”. The Dutch Open also had another reputation and throughout the world it was recognised as the FUN and Friendship competition. You would leave each year sad it was over but already anticipating the next year and renewal of friendship, happy to have been a part of this celebration of dance.

“Assen” as it has become fondly known has in recent years gained another reputation. It is the event which shows the friendship of dance, the beauty of dance and is the perfect example of how our dance world should be. Assen has now become the symbol of hope for the future, of respect, high standards, dance development and the flag bearer not only of Freedom to Dance but also Freedom to choose.

“Assen” does not just happen. Before one years event takes place work has already begun on the next year. It is a huge task and involves many hours, weeks and months of devoted attention. All those persons who wish the best for dancesport, who wish to see it develop, to show the world what a great activity we love, owe a huge debt of gratitude to the magnificent team which bring us this event year after year. It is insanity that any person, body or organisation would attempt to harm Assen and their message is without any doubt “we have no love for dance and no interest in its development” For these supposed business men money, determined to destroy rather than build is far more important than people.

This year Assen began on 8th November with three days of “workshops” with some of the most brilliant minds in our world contributing lectures on the theme “Dance your Age”. A truly though provoking title and each lecture was delivered in a different way with a different emphasis but the common message was dance is eternal and ageless and today you can make an investment in your future. Every lecture was enthralling and interesting and whilst some were humorous and others contained much activity and some were more thought provoking all were straight from the heart. The amount of knowledge and sheer wisdom that was passed from each lecturer to the participants was priceless. This was not a training Academy this was a University of Dance and not just any University but the best and one which cared about its students and their future.

Dancers from 41 countries have come to Assen this year Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Canada, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Mexico, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Serbia, Scotland, Singapore, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, USA, Ukraine. The love of Freedom the search for Freedom is ever expanding and this year more newcomers are welcomed to their first “Assen” experience and certainly it is one that will remain with them throughout their life.

Thursday we saw the first day of competition and we enjoyed dancing from Under 10s to Over 55s and the talent on display was immense. There is no doubt the future is bright indeed and as more and more couples make an investment in their future and show their love of Freedom to Dance our world becomes a better more progressive domain.