遇见，是人生中最美妙的事情。从2001年第一次去黑池到如今，每一次与它的相遇与相约，都能给我留下不可磨灭的记忆。
相距2010年所写的《我眼中的黑池》已有6年，这些年中，变的是国标舞的日新月异，不变的是舞者们对黑池这片圣地的向往和憧憬。之所以续写（二），是希望黑池这片圣土永远纯净，希望每一位为梦想竭力奔跑的人都能看到最美的、最纯净的、最真实且散发光芒的黑池。
黑池真的来中国了吗？
近日，黑池舞蹈节（中国）（以下简称“黑池中国”）在上海举行，作为中国国际标准舞总会副主席兼秘书长，一开始我表示了支持，而在宣传媒体对赛事的高度热捧之下，我又感到了深深地担忧：黑池真的来中国了吗？即便说黑池来到了中国，它还是舞者心目中的那个黑池吗？还是大家崇尚、尊敬的那片圣土吗？
写这篇文章是我经过深思熟虑的决定，因为到了不得不发声的时候了，到了不得不站出来澄明真相的时候了。
每一位国标舞出身的人都有一种“黑池情结”，能站在黑池的舞台上，是一种无以言说的荣光。即便因为种种原因，我没有参加过黑池的比赛，但是作为观摩者，在一年年去黑池观摩学习的过程中，我对黑池也充满了感情。它就像是一位“神灵”，能时时给你指引方向，为你照亮前方的路，让你在不断的努力和付出中找到舞蹈的真谛和远方。
中国国际标准舞总会（CBDF）是最早将国标舞引进中国的团体，经过多年的发展，国标舞已经在中国取得了非常大的进步，专业选手越来越多，赛事规模越来越壮大，但是真正去过黑池，了解黑池的人却少之又少。近日，黑池中国在上海举行，很多人真的以为黑池来到了中国，黑池真的就是上海赛事中为大家呈现的那个模样。而作为几天来在现场目睹赛事真实情况的亲历者，我想说，事实并非如此。不管是场馆布置、组别设置、灯光效果，还是参赛选手、赛场氛围等等一切，都与真正的黑池相差甚远。可以说，之前所宣传的“原汁原味的黑池”是绝对的夸大其词。
什么才是黑池？
它是一座城。黑池被称为欧洲的游艺之都、英国的拉斯维加斯。在这个英格兰西北部的海滨城市，有迤逦连绵的美丽海滩，有精致典雅的旅馆，有霓虹灯闪烁的游艺厅……当然，除了这些美丽的风景，还有人们为之着迷的拥有独特风格的英伦文化。国标舞源于这里，它的艺术形式、精神内涵、组织方式也与这座城的气息一脉相承。离开了，它就不是黑池。
它是一个建筑。在所有国标舞者的眼中，黑池舞蹈节之所以叫做黑池，是因为在它近百年的历史中，一直在冬季花园（Winter Gardens）举办。冬季花园于1875年开放使用，到如今已有近150年历史，这座古老而宏伟的建筑，承载的是悠久的历史，见证的是文化的发展与传承。宏伟壮丽的欧式造型，辉煌精致的墙壁雕刻，让人置身其中，就有一种随之而来的优雅浪漫。
我曾经听说，黑池舞蹈节曾经考虑更换场地，但是一位黑池的前辈却说，黑池如果在别的地方举办，那便不是黑池了。不可否认，这座全世界唯一的建筑，无论从硬件设施，还是从文化积淀上，都是不可取代的。那么，黑池中国在上海举办，它还是黑池吗？
它是一段沉淀百年的历史。黑池舞蹈节从开始举办至今，已经拥有近百年的历史。这百年中，产生了一代代优秀的舞者，见证了一个个冠军的成长与落幕，引领了一个个国家国标舞的崛起与发展。黑池不仅是英国的，还是世界的，是所有国标舞人的。而这些，是黑池中国没有经历和沉淀的。
它是一种对于传统的坚守。英国是世界上最为“保守”的国度之一，而正是因为这种“保守”，才换来对国标舞传统的坚持，才吸引了全世界最优秀的舞者慕名前来。全英国籍评审、现场乐队、办赛细节……它不会因为你的金钱、权势、地位去改变，也不会因为各个国家带队选手的多少而有所偏倚，它就是它自己。
我去黑池很多年，但是最开始的几年都是没有座位的，只能站着看比赛，尽管如此，我还乐此不疲。而在黑池中国即便在商业化的运营下，场馆也甚为冷清。大家不禁会想，到底为什么会产生这种差距？是英国黑池丧失了原有的光芒吗？恐怕并不是。
它是每一个国标舞人心中的梦。黑池已经不仅仅是一个比赛，它变成了一种精神和文化，它是每一位舞者心中的圣土和传奇。踏上黑池的舞台，就意味着梦想已经实现了第一步。说到这，我们就不难理解为什么很多舞者即便花费巨资，即便费尽心力，即便梦想遥不可及，也一年又一年地奔赴那里，因为那是一种荣耀和希望。
黑池舞蹈节虽然不是世界锦标赛，但是它在全世界国标舞者心中的地位是至高无上的。在世界大赛中，黑池的成绩最让人信服，选手在黑池取得的成绩即可说明他在全世界的舞蹈排名。甚至在接下来一整年的赛事中，评审都会以此成绩作为参考。而在黑池中国在上海的赛事中，从女子单人到职业组各个组别，产生了众多冠军。黑池中国的冠军就相当于黑池的冠军吗？它的含金量到底又有多高？
综上可言，“黑池中国”已经不是一个“单纯”的比赛，在一系列的商业策划之下，它与真正的黑池舞蹈节已经大相径庭。
不可复制的黑池味道
在黑池中国的赛事中，主办方一直以“原汁原味黑池”的口吻来宣传。在我看来，他们所宣传的与黑池相同的计分系统、现场乐队、背景装饰任何赛事都可以复制，甚至连黑池评审在中国执评也数见不鲜，这样一来，是不是很多比赛都可以标榜自己是黑池中国？黑池的品牌在中国岂不是要泛滥成灾？
如同上文所述，黑池，已经不仅仅是一个比赛，因此，即便黑池中国复制了黑池舞蹈节所有外在的东西，黑池的内涵、黑池的坚守、黑池的核心文化也是不可复制的。那一份独有的黑池味道，在近百年的发展中，在瞬息万变的社会中，愈发浓郁、珍贵，也愈发令人着迷。而这，才是最原汁原味的黑池。
心存敬畏，方能行有所止
一个好的行业必然能吸引更多人的关注与参与。如今国标舞这块蛋糕越做越大，也吸引了一些商业机构的进入。有一篇文章名为《一个不到十人的民间团队，是如何“撬”动一场国际顶级赛事的？》文中指出主办方仅靠一个不到10人的团队，成功举办了一场业内顶级国际赛事云云，这样的言辞实际上是不符合事实的。各个国家的国标舞行业，均是在协会的引领下成长起来，一个商业机构没有协会的帮助，不可能取得赛事举办的成功。这种无视协会帮助，不顾他人感受的行为，试问他们未来的路能走得很远吗？
罗马不是一日建成的，国标舞的发展也不是一蹴而就的，它是全世界国标舞人一代代传承、普及、创新而来。至今，黑池舞蹈节（Blackpool Dance Festival）已经举办了91年，International锦标赛（International Championships）已经举办了64年，UK公开赛（UK Open Championships）也已经举办了几十年，深圳世界公开赛已经举办了14年……没有国标舞前辈的辛勤耕耘，没有国标舞协会和组织的扎根基层，没有一代代国标舞人的努力坚持，不可能有现在的国标舞市场，不可能有“不到十个人撬动一场顶级赛事”的不实说法。一个非国标舞行业的民间团体和一个纯粹的商业机构没有对行业的付出和贡献，没有时间的积累和沉淀，谈何一夜之间独立举办一个世界级的品牌赛事？
作为中国本土一步步发展起来的赛事，深圳世界公开赛至今已经举办了十四届。早在赛事举办的第3年，我们就提出了打造“东方黑池”的说法。当然，我们的目的并不是成为它，而是学习它、敬畏它，以它为榜样。经过十几年的沉淀，深圳世界公开赛举办得越来越好，也形成了独有的东方特色。这与我们的努力，与我们对黑池舞蹈节的学习是分不开的。
商业运作有游戏规则，也要有对行业的敬畏之心。只有心存敬畏，才能有如履薄冰的谨慎态度，才能有战战兢兢的戒惧意念，也才能在变幻莫测、纷繁复杂的社会里，不分心，不浮躁，不被私心杂念所扰，不为个人名利所累，永远谦逊平和，保持内心的执著和清静，恪守心灵的从容和淡定。
多年来，我从黑池舞蹈节中受益良多。尽管黑池中国让我们这些对国标舞、对黑池舞蹈节有深刻感情的人略感失望，但我还是对黑池舞蹈节充满敬意和尊重，我还是会去参加黑池。我也希望黑池还是以前的黑池，还是我们心中那片纯净的、令人敬仰的圣地。
Blackpool In Eyes II
By Manfred Wang
Encounter, the most beautiful thing in our life. I’ve been visiting Blackpool from 2001 till now and each encounter and journey there have left indelible impression on me.
It’s been 6 years since I first wrote《Blackpool in My Eyes》. In ballroom dancing world,things change quite frequently these days, but the yearn and dreams that dancers draw onto Blackpool have never been altered. The reason why I wrote the second piece is that I sincere hope this prestigious land of Blackpool could always stay at its purest status, so that everyone who strives hard for his dreams could always see a most beautiful, purified and authentic Blackpool Dance Festival.
Has Blackpool Dance Festival really come to China?
Just recently Blackpool(China) Dance Festival (hereinafter referred to as Blackpool China) has been held in Shanghai.I’ve shown my great support to the event as the Vice-president and General Secretary of China Ballroom Dance Federation at the early phases. Nevertheless, its massive noisily publicity has caused my deep concerns.I can’t help wondering: Has Blackpool Dance Festival really come to China? Even if it’s been brought into China, would it still be the one in our heart, would it be the sacred palace filled with our highest respect and upmost admiration?
This article was written after my careful and serious consideration, because now it’s the necessary time that I HAVE TO voice up and stand up to clarify the true fact.
Every ballroom and latin dancer has got a “Blackpool Complex” and standing on the floor of Blackpool would be an ineffably glory to each of them. Out of different reasons, I haven’t got the opportunity to compete in Blackpool, but during my annual journey as a regular visitor, strong fond feelings to the land of Blackpool have been deeply planted into my heart. It is like a“spiritual mentor”that could guide us out of adversity,shed lights on the way forward and lead us to find the true meaning of dancing by our continuous efforts.
China Ballroom Dance Federation(CBDF) is the organization that introduced ballroom dance to China while great progress has been achieved in these thirty years. Now the numbers of professional couples are fast growing and the level of domestic events are quickly upgrading, but people who’ve actually been to Blackpool and truly know about the festival are very few. Recently Blackpool China has been held in Shanghai,while many audience might really assume that this fabulous event have actually landed in China and Blackpool is exactly what they’ve seen in Shanghai. But being a true witness of this event, I would say NO to the above assumption. No matter what aspect it is judged from, such as the venue arrangement, group setting, lighting effects, entry couples or on-site atmosphere etc, it differs tremendously from the authentic Blackpool Dance Festival. It’s an absolute exaggeration of what’s been widely advocated--“ an Genuine and Original Blackpool ”.
What is Blackpool Dance Festival？
It is a city. Blackpool Dance Festival has been widely nicknamed as”Blackpool” for short, since it’s been held in this city for nearly a century. This city has been considered as the entertainment center of Europe and the Las Vegas of UK. The meandering beautiful beach, exquisite and elegant resort, illuminated amusement park....... Of course, besides those amazing scenery, what’s more fascinating is the enchanting unique England culture. It’s the city where ballroom dance was born and developed, its ultimate artistry and inner spirit as well as the organizing mechanism of ballroom dance have all been perfectly integrated into the breath of the city. If the event gets separated from the city , it’s not Blackpool Dance Festival anymore.
It is a building. This ancient and magnificent building was open to public in 1875 . It’s been bearing the century history background and witnessing the development and succession of dance culture for over 150 years. With its majestic European architecture style and splendid carving on the wall, an elegant and romantic feeling would come to you right away once stepping into the hall.
It’s said that Blackpool Dance Festival once considered about altering its venue. But an experienced senior indicated that if the festival were held in other places, it shall not be regarded as Blackpool any more. It’s undeniable that,either in terms of its facilities or cultural connotation, this is the sole building in the world. It’s unique ,it’s irreplaceable. Well then, Blackpool China has now been held in Shanghai, is it still that Blackpool?
It is a century history. From the first competition to now, it has gone through almost a hundred year. It bred generations of outstanding dancers, witnessed numerous champions risingand retiring on this floor, and also assisted the fast development of ballroom dancing in each country. Blackpool does not only belong to England, in a broader sense,it belongs to the whole dance world. Furthermore, it belongs to every ballroom people. All above are the factors that Blackpool China do not have, and cannot possess for the time being.
It’s a succession to the tradition. Britain has been widely known as one of the “most-conservative”country in the world. Nevertheless it is this kind of “conservation” that keeps their old customs survive to now and helps to attract the finest dancers all over the world out of their admiration to this land. The All-British-Adjudicator-Panel, splendid live bands,thoughtful organizing details...... Blackpool would never alter on facts of money,power or fame,nor lose its justice over the numbers of couple that each country has entered in. Blackpool goes as it was.
I’ve been visiting Blackpool for many years till now.In the first few years I’ve got no seat and got to stand and watch, despite of that, I’m still quite glad to continue my annual visit. On the contrary , the stadium of Blackpool China is rather empty even it’s been operated in a commercial way. We can’t help thinking:why there exists such big difference? Is it because Blackpool has lost its original glamour? Well, I'm afraid not.
It’s a fascinating dream for each ballroom dancer. Blackpool is not merely a competition, but has turned into a symbol of spirit and culture. It’s a sacred palace and legend for each dancer. Stepping on to the floor of Blackpool means one step closer to their dreams. Speaking of which, it would be easier to understand why so many couples would bother to visit there year by year in spite of the huge cost and possible exhausting efforts, even though the dreams might still be too far to reach. Because what it brings, is hope and glory.
Although Blackpool Dance Festival is not a world championships, it’s still paramount to every dancer in the world. The result generated in this competition is the most convincing one among all international events. Placing at this match would indicate couple’s ranking place in the whole world. In addition to that, worldwide adjudicators might also take this as an important reference while judging at other events in the following year. As for Blackpool Shanghai, from girl single to professional group, numerous championsare generated. Would Blackpool(China) Champion be equal to Blackpool Champion?How heavy does this title really weigh?
To sum up, “Blackpool China” is no longer a “purified”competition. It has differed itself greatly from the true original Blackpool Dance Festival under series of commercial operation and business schemes.
the Unduplicated Blackpool flavor
“keeping its original flavor” has been a dominant publicity slogan for Blackpool China . As far as I see , what they’ve been advocating as the original elements can all be duplicated by any events, such as the same scutineering system,live band, background decoration at the venue etc, even the Blackpool judging panels, because it’s not rare to spot Blackpool judges judging in China any more. Well ,in this case,can many competitions also boost themselves as Blackpool(China) series? So millions of Blackpool would be overrunning in China?
As what’s been mentioned previously, Blackpool Dance Festival, is not merely a form of competition. Even though Blackpool China can imitate all the exterior elements of original event, the connotation, its persistence to the tradition as well as the core culture can never be duplicated. During its century development progress, this unique Blackpool flavor have been fermented richer and more fascinating, and becomes even more precious to this fast-changing society.
And that, would be the most original flavor of Blackpool.
Reverence in Heart, Restrain in behaviors
Undoubtedly,a prosperous industry would definitely attract many more people to get involved.Now with this Ballroom dancing“Cake”rolling larger and larger, many commercial entity have been attracted to get engaged in. An article titled as How did A Grass-root Team Staffed with Less Than 10 People “mobilize” an Ultimate International Event pointed out that, the organizer successfully held a top-level international competition just by the efforts from its less than 10 staff team. As a matter of fact,that’s a rather unpractical talking. The ballroom development in each country is achieved by the extensive efforts under the leadership of their national associations. A business corporation could hardly hold such a successful event without the support from the national industry association. By ignoring the assistance from the leading federation , denying the value of industrial resources, we cant help wondering, would this lead to a positive long run?
Rome was not built in a day, so does the ballroom industry. Its development was achieved by the world-widely efforts from generation to generation. It is through the creation,popularization and succession of predecessors can we enjoy the success nowadays.Up to now, Blackpool Dance Festival has entered its 91 years of process, International Championships for its 64 year, UK Open Championships for more than 50 years and Shenzhen China Open Championship been held for 14 years...... without the accumulation and cultivation from the predecessors, without the base work done by the industry association, without the persistence spirit from generation to generation, our current dance market can never been so well established,nor could that unpractical saying of “ lessthan 10 staff mobilizing an ultimate event” come out. Without any contribution or sacrificing to the industry, without any accumulation in time, how could it be possible for a non-ballroom-dancing civil entity, or a pure business organization to hold a world-class brand eventovernight?
As a local-rooted and developed event, Shenzhen Open Championship has been continuously running for fourteen years. Dating back to its 3rd competition, the concept of”Building the Oriental Blackpool” has been raised.Of course, we were not aiming at becoming Blackpool, but taking it as an example, respecting it and learning from it. Now Shenzhen Open is growing stronger year by year based on its previous accumulation and has established its own Oriental Features, all of which could be inseparable from our own efforts and what we’ve learned from Blackpool Dance Festival.
Business is a game ,but u can never be so playful. You have to bear reverence to the industry in mind. Only with reverence in heart,can we apply a cautious and prudent manner, can we restrain ourselves from misconduct, so that in this fast changing and complicated society, we could keep focused and calmed,keep undistracted by selfish motives, and away from the troubles of personal fame and lust. Also can we stay humble and peaceful, and finally achieve the eternal tranquility and serenity in the soul.
I’ve benefited greatly from Blackpool Dance Festival all these years. Although Blackpool China has slightly disappointed us, who’s been holding strong attachment to Ballroom dance and Blackpool, I still pay great respect and hold high regards to Blackpool Dance Festival and would definitely continue my visit to that city. What’s more,I wish Blackpool would still be the one same as before, still be that purified and respectable sacred palace deep in our hearts.
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