World Dance Competition

The 4th Masters in ‘Line World Dance Masters 2006’ took its usual grandeur at the enormous Empress Ballroom of Winter Gardens, Blackpool, famous for its and gilded plaster and which gives a breath taking environment - The Mecca of Entertainment and Dance Championships.

Amidst 540 competitors, sporting the number 449, stood our own Subashini Dias Abeyegunawardene all out to do her best.

She now has the distinction of being the 1st Sri Lankan to dance at Winter Gardens, Blackpool and also, the 1st Sri Lankan dancer to secure a place in the top 6 in a World Championships. There were kids, teens, novices, intermediate and advance categories, both males and females from 29 countries.

Subashini after having qualified in the Asia Pacific round held in Malaysia earlier this year, said it was a dream come true, when Sri Lanka was invited to participate in the World Championships.

In May this year, when she visited Blackpool to present a Report on behalf of BDFI Sri Lanka as National Director, at the Annual General Meeting of BDI International, she also got the opportunity of witnessing the prestigious Blackpool Dance Festival for one week. As I watched the dancers glide on the 74' x 52' floor in the architectural Ballroom of ancient English beauty, I said to myself "How wonderful it would be, if one day I too can dance on this floor," said Subashini.

She considers her participation as a golden opportunity, where she received training from the 3 time World Line Dance Champion Rachael McEnaney and the workshops she attended with Australia's leading dance champion - Simon Ward and Top Dancers Kate Sala, Rob Flower and Ed Lawton from USA and UK.

So far 23 countries host the Masters In Line every year and only those who qualify in these rounds will be accepted at the World Championships.

To give every local line dancer this unique opportunity, Ballroom Dancers Federation International Sri Lanka at their forthcoming Dance Festival in 2007 will host Masters In Line Sri Lanka International Qualifying Round as a part of the programme, for which licence has been granted by Masters In Line. Subashini said my 2 other fellow dancers who qualified at the Asia Pacific Championships could not make it to the World Competition due to lack sponsors.

Dancing is nothing new to Subashini. As a teenager she excelled in Bharatha Natyam and later trained with Deanna School of Dancing in Jazz Ballet and Street Dancing. She has received highly commended grades in Bronze, Silver and Gold medal examinations in Latin and Standard from NATD and IDTA UK. She acknowledges the good grounding in dancing she received from Cyraine Illangakoon and Tony Fernandez. The special Latin training from Kevin Nugera and funky and standard training from Dr. Hasitha Chandrasekera, helped her a long way in her Line Dancing success. In the local world of dancing where petty politics pre-dominate Subashini is grateful to veteran - Owen de Abrew and popular social dance instructor Prince Ratnam and the Sports Ministry Officials who have encouraged all the time.

Subashini said, I will continue to improve in Line Dancing and perhaps win a world title in the future.

In reality Line Dancing is more difficult than normal dancing with a partner, as one has to prove his/her own talent in the segments of Standard, Latin and Funky. Line Dancing which was introduced only a year ago to Sri Lanka by BDFI to "end the cry for partners" and also as Party and Fun Dancing in groups has come a long way.

Line Dancing is only steps and romps and caters only to Senior Citizens is only a myth. It consists of the variety in dance styles and caters to all ages and is the most popular dance - All over the world.

Subashini with the support of BDI will impart her knowledge and experience to locals, in order to make dance enthusiasts shine in the Line Dancing world.