A young Greek. Dimitrios
Skafidas, came to New Zealand in 1929. He was brought over by a Greek family who
owned a restaurant. Dimitrios took on an apprenticeship as a chef to repay his passage
and board, w hich he accomplished within two years.Dimitrios
was attracted to dancing and took lessons locally. In 1932 at the age of 16 - he
set up his first dance studio renting the dance floor at the Brown Jug
Cabaret
in Courtenay Place Wellington.
His
name translated to James and he became known to all as Jimmy James.
Right
from 1932 until his death in 1992 dancing was his life. We know him as the father
of our society. In 1951 in his Roseland Cabaret Jimmy James organised the first New
Zealand Championships. In that first year Clifford Howcraft and Ann Bewman won the
Professional Title. Ann was to become Jimmy's wife and they had many happy years
together. Jimmy
James "Dance Man" of your time, we the current generation salute
and honour you for what you have given us. Let your example imspire us to
geater heights in our art as we move into the new millenium.
The Jimmy James Memorial Champions are dedicated
to Gentleman Jim - The Dance Man. 
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