To: samanthaiceskater@...
Subject: Some news on Inline dance competitions
From: JHiggins@...
Date: Mon, 3 Jan 2005 11:53:37 -0500

Hi Samantha,

I noticed some recent inquiries about international inline
competitions. It's been a while since I've updated you with
progress of the competitive inline world, here in the States.

As you may recall, I earned the first RSA Dance gold medal
(International Solo) in the US, skating on inlines, back in May of
2003. Since then, I have continued to get in front of as many
people as possible to demonstrate inline compulsory dancing, and
building my resume and skills as a skater, coach and author.

USA RollerSports
It has been a slow process and there have been some setbacks, but I
recently received tacit approval to compete with/against quad
skaters in regional and national championships. This approval came
in the form of an email from the Richard Hawkins, CEO of
USA/RollerSports. I am awaiting formal changes to two rules, which
heretofore barred me from these qualifying competitions. I expect
there will be some hold-outs on their governing board, but in the
end, I think inliners and quad skaters will soon be allowed to
compete together in Dance. Inliners already have their own speed,
freestyle, and inline creative events at the national level, but
nothing for dance....yet!

This year, my quad partner and I will compete in Esquire (A) Team
Dance. I believe this will be the first time anyone has tried
this...at least in this country. I have been competing for 3 years
in solo dance competitions...mainly international style, but also
some "American" events. The competitions have generally been small
in attendance, but I have successfully competed (medaled) in every
meet, in at least one event. I compete in as many events as
possible, ranging from Senior, Junior, Sophomore, Classic, Novice,
Esquire, and Masters (my age group). Unfortunately, I have not yet
competed against any other inline dancer!

National Artistic Roller Skating Association of America (NARSA), and
International Roller Skating Association (IRSA).
These are much smaller organizations, but feature mainly
International events. It is more to my liking because it follows
the USFSA rules and direction. In 2004, I took three placements at
the NARSA National Championships in solo and team dance events.
These organizations welcome inliners with open arms...far different
from USARS.

====================================
Good luck with your endeavors...looks like it's catching on much
bigger in Europe, now. Any inline dancing? I would like to
continue to promote the sport of inline dancing. Do you have any
suggestions/queries/programs that have been tried in Europe? Drop
me a line if you have time.

Jeff Higgins
Inline Dancer,
Syracuse, NY,
USA


====================================
PS. I am collecting video tapes and other digital clips of inline
dancers. When I retire in a few years, I plan to compile a training
video of basic inline skating/dancing.