Arts
Dancing to a professional beat
Latin and ballroom performances by some of the local and international dance couples had the audience spellbound during the gala finals of this year’s Dancesport Championship last Sunday as they danced to the beats of the electrifying Jive, Cha Cha, Samba and the Rumba or swayed to the graceful Waltz, Viennese and the Quick Step.
As in past years, the Dancesport International Latin and Ballroom Championship showcased the best of, not just local talent, but also international, as the competition at the Hilton Balroom attracted many foreign participants who flew down to the country to be a part of this annual championship.
The championship is organised in Sri Lanka by Footwork Events. Footwork’s Dharshan Wijesooriya has dedicated himself to the task of bringing the standards of the local dancers on par with the international level– and this year’s edition indeed was proof of his success, given the level of professionalism displayed by the local participants.
The couples from Sri Lanka who battled it out for the trophies under the categories of Standard Pre Amateur, Standard Novices A, Standard Under 16, Standard Amateur Rising Star, Standard Amateur Open, Latin American Junior Under 13, Latin American Novices A, Latin American Pre Amateur, Latin American Novices B, Latin American Junior Under 16, Latin American Amateur Rising Star, Latin American Amateur Open, engaged in an intense competition with the foreign contestants, meeting the physical demands associated with Dancesport such as stamina, body balance, footwork, etc.
The show began with an electrifying samba performance by some of the local couples followed by the ceremonial contestants’ parade before the audience in their glittering ballroom gowns. Next, they proceeded to the competitions in Latin and Ballroom categories as well as demonstration performances leading to the awards presentation and official photographs.
A highlight was of course the five dance performance featuring Sven Ninnemann and Nina Uszkureit who had been Runners-up at the World Professional Show Dance Championship.
Comperes Arun Dias Bandaranaike and Dinasha Stephen energised the audience who in turn cheered their favourites on, calling out their numbers as if to get the attention of the judges all of which added to the lively atmosphere at the show.
Dance teachers and trainers from leading local danceschools, who are committed to nurturing Sri Lanka’s next generation of Latin and Ballroom dancers were also ushered onto the stage during the show, in recognition of their contribution towards the field.
This year’s Dancesport Championship was judged by an international panel of adjudicators – Sven Ninnemann (Switzerland), Nina Uszkureit(Switzerland), Steven Tan (Taiwan), Belman Salihovic (Australia), Wanthanee Kanchana (Thailand) and William Lor (Malaysia).
For list of winners and more pictures please see sundaytimes.lk
From samba to the elegant waltz, the contestants battled it out. Pix by Indika Handuwala